Berlin's Commercial Galleries Showcase German Art Elders, Blurring Public-Private Lines
Berlin's commercial galleries are currently presenting exhibitions by established German artists, including Albert Oehlen, Michael Buthe, Heinz Mack, and Joachim Bandau, highlighting a shift in the city's art scene. These shows, such as Oehlen's curated perspective on 1980s painting at Sprüth Magers and Mack's retrospective at Matthias Arndt's gallery, reflect a market-driven rediscovery of historical movements like Zero. Dealers like Thomas Flor, recently moved from Düsseldorf, champion artists like Buthe, while Thomas Fischer features Bandau's 1970s works. This trend blurs distinctions between commercial galleries and public institutions, exacerbated by museum budget cuts and hiring practices prioritizing fundraising over art-historical expertise. The city's mayor promotes young 'based in Berlin' artists, with a follow-up to a 2011 multi-institution show expected in 2013. The interplay suggests public museums may soon adopt similar retro-chic tastes if market responses are positive.
Key facts
- Commercial galleries in Berlin are exhibiting works by elder German artists like Albert Oehlen, Michael Buthe, Heinz Mack, and Joachim Bandau.
- Albert Oehlen curated a show on 1980s painting at Sprüth Magers, challenging perceptions of the era's German art.
- Heinz Mack, cofounder of Zero group, has a retrospective at Matthias Arndt's gallery.
- Michael Buthe's material paintings are supported by dealer Thomas Flor, who relocated from Düsseldorf.
- Thomas Fischer's gallery featured Joachim Bandau's 1970s machinelike creatures after showcasing Brian O'Doherty's early works.
- The blurring between public institutions and commercial galleries is noted, with museums facing budget cuts and hiring for fundraising skills.
- Berlin's mayor celebrates young 'based in Berlin' artists, with a successor to a 2011 multi-institution show anticipated in 2013.
- The art market's interest in 'Best Agers' (50-plus generation) may influence museum curators to follow gallery trends.
Entities
Artists
- Albert Oehlen
- Michael Buthe
- Heinz Mack
- Joachim Bandau
- Brian O'Doherty
Institutions
- Sprüth Magers
- Matthias Arndt
- Thomas Flor
- Thomas Fischer
- ArtReview
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Düsseldorf
- Mitte