Andrea Sassi on dispari&dispari's Move to Berlin

Andrea Sassi (Reggio Emilia, 1977) founded dispari&dispari in the early 2000s in an industrial suburb of Reggio Emilia. The gallery quickly gained international prestige, collaborating with artists such as Katrin Plavcak, Peter Goi, Carolina Caycedo, Flavio Favelli, and Alterazioni Video. In September 2018, Sassi opened a new branch in Berlin, dispari&dispari/Berlin, while maintaining the original space in Reggio Emilia, which is under renovation. Sassi describes the move as an "arrivederci" rather than a goodbye, driven by a desire for a more international context. He chose Berlin for its cosmopolitan, underground, and dynamic character, despite its dense gallery scene. Sassi believes Berlin remains the capital of young art and experimentation in Europe, citing its robust art infrastructure and social policies post-Wall. He frequents institutions like Berlinische Galerie, Hamburger Bahnhof, Schinkel Pavillon, and Volksbühne, and views at least ten exhibitions weekly. His long-standing collaboration with Alterazioni Video includes producing six films, two Manifesta participations, and two Venice Biennale appearances. Sassi emphasizes empathy and partnership with artists, offering not just exhibition space but a place to stay, develop ideas, and produce works.