Attractive Artworks In Cologne

For the first time, the “Kunstmarkt Köln” (Art Market Cologne) took place in the Gürzenich-Festhalle in 1967, with a total of 18 galleries presenting their artworks. Since the event has grown larger over time, it is no longer held in Gürzenich but in the large Koelnmesse-Gelände in Cologne-Deutz, with its numerous halls. The audience has also changed: today, not only people who want to buy the art meet here, but generally all those who are interested in culture.

A Globally Respected Art Event

In 1974, the exhibition was known under the name “International Art Market.” In 1984, it changed to ART COLOGNE. Over the years, the number of visitors continued to rise, and they set out to look for a larger exhibition venue. The declared objective of the Cologne art fair is to provide a platform for the global art trade.

The art of modern and post-war times, as well as contemporary art, remains the central point of the event. So you should not expect old masters when you leave for ART COLOGNE. The exhibition has grown into an institution perceived by the art scene around the world. Cologne does not have to hide behind New York in this respect.

Collecting, Networking, and the Latest Trends

The most successful art dealers and galleries from all over the world are presenting themselves here. On one hand, the exhibition can be used by art collectors for the purpose of supplementing their own collections with works of art from different countries. On the other hand, curators and dealers use them to network in the art scene. In addition, ART COLOGNE offers its visitors a glimpse into the avant-garde of modernity and the latest trends in contemporary art. Paintings, works on paper, graphics, photography, and video are just a few examples of the wonderful art on display and for sale. ART COLOGNE also provides the opportunity to discover upcoming artists and promotes new talent on a global scale.

This year, the portal gallerytalk.net recommended the following galleries to visit: Harlan Levey (Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium), House of Chappaz (Barcelona, Spain), Berthold Pott (Cologne, Germany), Galleri Opdahl (Stavanger, Norway), Valeria Cetraro (Paris, France), Martinetz (Cologne, Germany), and Klemm’s (Berlin, Germany). (Vienna, Austria). 

Artworks from All Over the World

The Swiss gallery artists were represented by Lange + Pult (Auvernier, Switzerland), as well as by Zurich gallery artist Peter Kilchmann. He presented the works of the Belgian action artist Francis Alÿs. Zurich gallery suns.works has participated for the first time in this traditional art fair.

The Danish Andersen’s Gallery and the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery from Australia were also present for the first time. In addition, the organisers highlighted a high proportion of Austrian exhibitors. Those who were interested in Ukrainian art could visit the Voloshyn Gallery by Julia and Max Voloshyn from Kiev. It is regarded by artists as one of the most important points of contact for contemporary art from Ukraine.

And the Art Cologne Prize goes to…

Prizes are presented at the fair every year. This year, the Austrian book dealer Walther König was awarded the ART COLOGNE prize. He is recognised for his publishing achievements in the edition and publication of art volumes, cultural theory writings, exhibition volumes, and countless other publications.

An independent jury has selected the Dortmunder Kunstverein as this year’s winner of the Art Society Award. The prize has been awarded since 2006 by the Working Group of German Arts Associations (ADKV) in cooperation with ART COLOGNE. The Dortmunder Kunstverein is an exemplary place and meeting point for contemporary art, offering a space for current art at the highest level and at the same time offering itself as a discourse platform for urban society through very different forms of access.

Critic Oliver Koerner von Gustorf, who lives in Berlin and in Uckermark (Brandenburg), receives the ADKV + Art Cologne Prize for Art Criticism 2023, which is given regularly to freelance journalists. Oliver Koerner von Gustorf has for years held an independent position within German art criticism. His writing is also interested in marginalised and queer artistic positions. It is characterised by precise observation and quiet pointing.

Next year, the 57th edition of ART COLOGNE will take place from November 7–10, 2024.