Journal 2021

We asked some of the protagonists of Berlin’s art scene for their take on the current—and future—state of contemporary art in the city.

This year’s Gallery Weekend Berlin establishes a second annual programme in autumn. Titled *Discoveries, it looks mostly—but not only—at the latest emerging art.

What is generally referred to as Berlin’s cultural policy is in reality a complex thicket of fragmented responsibilities, diverging interests, and diverse stakeholders. An essay by authors Hans-Jürgen Hafner and Kito Nedo offers insight into the sometimes complicated situation and its resultant problems.

Fluentum guest curator Dennis Brzek and Junia Thiede, Head of Exhibitions and Programmes, answer our questionnaire together.

Artist Alicja Kwade answers our questionnaire: »Not being sad about not having to constantly smooch people.«

Gallerist Alexander Levy on coffee in the morning

Performance artist caner teker answers our questionnaire. »Translating, Transforming, Transfiguring . . .«

Artist D’Ette Nogle answers our questionnaire. Four and a bonus.

Artist Henrike Naumann answers our questionnaire. On Commitment, Power Dressing, and ›Möbilisierung‹

Artist Tatjana Doll on puddles, presence, and high-end speakers

Tomas Schmit was a key figure in the Fluxus movement of the early 1960s. Work by the artist, who died in 2006, is the subject of a comprehensive retrospective at Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.) and Kupferstichkabinett, on view throughout Berlin Art Week. We present a preview selection of Schmit’s drawings.

KW Institute for Contemporary Art turns 30 this year. Jenny Dirksen, who has been organising the archive of this influential post-1989 Berlin art institution since 2018, presents and comments on a specially compiled assortment of invitation cards from the KW’s various phases—from 1991 to 2021.

Berlin Art Week is taking place for the tenth time in 2021: an occasion for a brief look back in pictures.

Artist Sung Tieu has been nominated for this year’s Preis der Nationalgalerie. We spoke with the artist about the role of research in her work and how it can be integrated.

Sandra Mujinga is one of four nominees for the Preis der Nationalgalerie für Junge Kunst this year. We spoke to her about the role of the human figure in her work, questions of camouflage and opacity and how to think the body through music. Oh, wait—and dinosaurs, too!

The exhibition for the prestigious ars viva prize 2022 will be held at Brücke-Museum in Berlin. Meet the three prize-winners.

Artist Bendik Giske answers our questionnaire: »Wetting the reed never ceases to ground me.«

Artist Mire Lee answers our questionnaire. Laughing out loud while reading Thomas Bernhard.

Gallerist Tom Woo on eggshell yellow canvases, ›Talking Prices‹ and the freedom of art

Artists Clemens Krauss on Caravaggio, the long shadows of the past, and the joys of better hand hygiene

Gallerist Dorothée Nilsson on passion and focus

Artist Alice Z Jones answers our questionnaire: »When was the pre-pandemic world?«

»Everything comes from somewhere and everything is always already there.«— artist Daniela Bershan answers our questionnaire.

Once again, there is lots to read about Berlin Art Week! Newspapers and magazines are presenting the diverse programme of exhibitions, openings, performances, art fairs, and award ceremonies from 15―19 SEP 2021 and report on artists and protagonists. This year, we would like to draw your attention to three extensive and content-rich special publications.

It won’t be long until Berlin Art Week 2021 kicks off―and of course the programme of exhibitions, openings, galleries, tours, and events requires careful study! Four online and print magazines can help with selected recommendations for this year’s 10th edition, so you can gather inspiration for your visit!