Joachim Blüher Reflects on 17 Years Leading the German Academy in Rome
After 17 years as the director of the German Academy at Villa Massimo, Joachim Blüher reflects on his leadership, identifying four key achievements: the exhibition series "Soltanto un Quadro al Massimo," "Electric Camp Fire," a scholarship initiative for bakers in collaboration with Fabrizio Roscioli, and six showcases of German photography. He recalls significant presentation events in Berlin, which were graced by German President Angela Merkel and Chancellor. However, Blüher acknowledges two setbacks: a stalled church project in Olevano Romano and a suspended auditorium in L'Aquila. He expresses disappointment in Rome's contemporary art landscape, criticizing MACRO and MAXXI for their funding issues, and observes a lack of interest in culturally significant exhibitions in Italy. His advice to the next director is to "Be yourself."
Key facts
- Joachim Blüher was director of the German Academy at Villa Massimo for 17 years.
- He considers the 'Soltanto un Quadro al Massimo' exhibition series a cult success.
- 'Electric Camp Fire' brought young Roman audiences to the Academy.
- A scholarship for bakers brought Fabrizio Roscioli of Forno Campo de' Fiori to Villa Massimo.
- Six exhibitions on German photography were significant.
- Presentation evenings in Berlin were attended by the German President and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
- Blüher failed to build a church in Olevano Romano and an auditorium in L'Aquila due to local politics.
- He criticizes MACRO and MAXXI, calling them a shame due to funding issues.
- He had good relations with MAXXI, Istituto Nazionale della Grafica, and Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
- He avoided Italian politicians and had cordial relations with Romans and other foreign academies.
Entities
Artists
- Joachim Blüher
- Fabrizio Roscioli
- Sigmar Polke
- Mario De Simoni
- Angela Merkel
- Michael Schmidt
- Andreas Gursky
- Ludovico Pratesi
Institutions
- Accademia Tedesca di Villa Massimo
- MACRO
- MAXXI
- Istituto Nazionale della Grafica
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni
- Forno Campo de' Fiori
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Berlin
- Germany
- Olevano Romano
- L'Aquila
- Bonn
- Paris
- London
- France
- Sweden