Solitary creativity on display: Exhibiting artists at Akademie-Galerie Düsseldorf
The Quiet Departure of the Annual Exhibition: A New Art Oasis Emerges
Following disagreements over artistic visions between artists and curators, the annual exhibition by the academy's graduating classes has been removed from the program of the state institute K21. In response, Professor Robert Fleck, the head of the "Art and Publicity" department, has unexpectedly opened the academy's gallery in the former registration office on Burgplatz, showcasing the works of the classes of 2021 and 2022. The exhibit features 100 young talents across four separate exhibitions.
Entitled "22717," Ankica Marjanovic's painting depicts a fragile female figure with a cat. Neighboring works belong to Niels Plata. [No image credits provided]
Admission to the gallery in the heart of the bustling Düsseldorf old town is free, though no crowds have been reported. The entrance is tucked away behind bars, and a minimalist poster with the title "Graduates of the Düsseldorf Art Academy" offers little attraction. The renowned university, now administered by newly appointed rector Donatella Fioretti, must immediately address its image within the public eye.
The interest in the student art show is evident, as indicated by the large crowds during traditional tours. As has come to be expected, visitors must search for titles and names amidst the spectacle. Likewise, proper signage is absent in the tranquil gallery, with only a map provided near the entrance for navigation. The dark, disquieting video work by Deniz Saridas creates further confusion. A woman's voice emanates from a dim room, repeatedly reciting "very exhausted flames of light" against images of a nighttime scooter ride.
A series of humorous canine portraits, painted by Armin Kistner after graduation, occupy one corner. The right-side works are by Johanna Clara Becker. [No image credits provided]
The past two years, during which the artists contended with pandemic isolation, seem to have taken an emotional toll. Solo figures dance passionately in Johanna Clara Becker's floating screen forms, representing digital connections. Colorful dogs, found online and immortalized by paint brush, are immortalized by Armin Kistner's oil renderings, complete with ribbons, animated fur, and designer collars. Before the pandemic, Ankica Marjanovic found solace in the bond between the translucent woman and her cat. In Jacqueline Bamfaste's sculpture, a smiling plastic child sits alongside a stretching cat.
Nearby, a Korean artist, Jeehye Song, exhibits a studio painting that finds her submerged in her canvas, albeit with limbs adrift. The tangible pervades the exhibition, with minimal abstract art on display. Even Max Wetter's floating forms on a large canvas border on preserves ("Bonne Maman"), while Masatsugu Okada's softly floating white-gray compositions evoke skyscapes.
A 6.5-meter long suspension bridge by Janine Boeckelmann serves as the entrance to emptiness, with nothing but a wall and white void beyond it. The bridge, suspended in front of the passage, requires a detour through the hallway to pass, where paintings by Johannes Herrmann are on display. Charles Laib Bitton, meanwhile, pictures a romanticized past with an old-school female nude. In the final room, Luca Kohlmetz has hung a delicate cotton tent for "The Last Decade" - no protection. An Apricot-hued pear sculpture by Denise Werth mirrors a mysterious "Woman's Voice in the Universe," and Norman Begert's small paintings depict isolated individuals.
Next to a grand painting by Tristan Drobik, a tent structure by Luca Kohlmetz floats. Nearby, small pieces by Xuenan Li are displayed. [No image credits provided]
Exhibition Details
The first of four exhibitions, "Graduates of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf 2021-2022," is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, starting this week from 12 to 6 pm, at the academy gallery on Burgplatz 1. The second part, which will be opened on May 11 at 6 pm, is forthcoming, alongside the dates for the third and fourth parts, which have been scheduled for June 1 and 22, respectively. The entire project, encompassing all four exhibitions, runs until July 9, 2023. No admission fee is required, and more information can be found at www.kunstakademie-duesseldorf.de.
Exploring beyond the realm of art, one may find various resources to enhance a lifestyle and foster personal growth at the academy's library, which offers books on home-and-garden design and education-and-self-development topics. After immersing oneself in the captivating works of the 2021 and 2022 graduating classes, an individual could further engage with the academy's courses and workshops to hone their artistic skills at home.
