Berlin's art scene is at its most vibrant during the fall, when Berlin Art Week takes place. During the week, exhibitions are held throughout the city, drawing much attention to art. This year's third annual event took place from September 16th to 21st, and the city of Berlin was bathed in a sea of art.
A variety of art-related events are held during the same period as Berlin Art Week. These include exhibitions at museums and art fairs selling artworks. Because the events overlap, many exhibits can be seen in a short period of time, making it an annual autumn event in Berlin.
Internationally renowned museums participate, and many excellent exhibitions can be seen. For example, there is an exhibition at the Akademie der Kunste (Academy of Kunst) in the city center. The museum, which held a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the event, held an exhibition called "Schwindel der Wirklichkeit (Vertigo of Reality)," featuring a variety of works, including installations, videos, and performances. The venue featured works using mirrors by Olafur Eliasson and photographs by Thomas Demand. However, there were also some unusual pieces on display, such as a performance piece by Tino Sehgal, in which a security guard at the venue asked visitors about the significance of the exhibition. The audience not only looked at the artworks, but also engaged with and reflected on them. These works, which are not typically found in exhibitions, surprised visitors.
The centerpiece of Berlin Art Week is the unique art fair known as "abc." Typically, the focus is on sales, and participating galleries often show small, easily sold pieces. However, abc focuses on showcasing artists, with galleries limited to showcasing one artist per section. This ensures the quality of the exhibits and allows visitors to see wonderful works.
One piece that particularly surprised me at abc was the work shown by the Berlin gallery Spruth Magers Berlin London. John Bock, known for his distinctive performances, set up a stall at the venue, offering visitors homemade toast. The toast was served on paper plates featuring his drawings, and visitors were also able to get their hands on the artworks for free. While art fairs are places to buy and sell artwork, this one also served as a place for visitors to enjoy art.
While the fantastic exhibitions at museums and unique art fairs attract visitors, it's not just these that make the event so exciting. Galleries that aren't officially participating also hold exhibitions at the same time, aiming to attract large numbers of visitors. Countless art-related events are held throughout Berlin, attracting collectors and art professionals from around the world. It's truly the season of art. If you enjoy art in Berlin, you won't want to miss out on autumn, its most exciting season.
