Artworld's Return to Pre-Pandemic Norms Amid Berlin Gallery Weekend Shows

Berlin's art scene has resumed activities with a sense of continuity from pre-pandemic times, particularly during Gallery Weekend Berlin from April 30 to May 2. Galleries like Neu and Neugerriemschneider presented works by artists associated with the 1990s and early 2000s, including Manfred Pernice and Pae White. Many artists have focused on their existing interests during the past year, leading to exhibitions that feel familiar rather than transformative. While safety measures like masks and testing remain, the experience of attending openings has regained its social and emotional appeal. This return to normalcy follows months of lockdowns in cities such as London, New York, and Berlin. The artworld's current mood leans toward comfort and nostalgia, with less emphasis on pandemic-related themes. However, discussions about alternatives to art fairs and addressing market inequalities continue to be relevant. The transient novelty of upbeat gallery visits persists for now, even as critical engagement with the industry's structures is anticipated to reemerge.