As you step through the unassuming doorway of a former factory building in Berlin’s Neukölln district, you are transported into a vibrant world of contemporary art. 68projects, Berlin’s premier art gallery dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming talent, has created an oasis for art lovers and the culturally curious.
Founded in 2015, 68projects has quickly established itself as the place to discover innovative mixed media, street art, sculpture, and more from global artists. Once a month, the gallery opens its doors for a highly-anticipated new exhibition featuring established and emerging artists, emphasizing thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of traditional genres.
Visiting here offers an authentic glimpse into Berlin’s creative culture and pulse. The curators have a keen eye for finding those on the cusp of greatness, allowing patrons to discover artists before the rest of the world. While the art scene in Berlin continues to gain more mainstream attention, 68projects remains fiercely independent and dedicated to taking risks on young, unestablished talent.
For inspiration and a chance to get ahead of the latest trends, 68projects is the place to be. You’ll leave feeling enriched and exposed to art that stimulates, challenges, and moves you unexpectedly. This insider’s look has hopefully sparked your curiosity – now experience 68 projects for yourself.
The History of 68projects Gallery in Berlin
68 projects opened in Berlin, Germany, in 2015 with a mission to showcase thought-provoking contemporary art. Curator Susanne Pfeffer founded the non-profit gallery to provide a platform for innovative artists and bring experimental works to a broad audience.
The Gallery’s Focus
68 projects focus on conceptual art, video art, performance art, and multimedia installations. The gallery represents emerging artists, particularly interested in artists from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Some represented artists include Cinthia Marcelle, Iman Issa, and Michael E. Smith.
Exhibitions and Events
68projects hosts 4-6 exhibitions each year, ranging from solo shows to thematic group exhibitions. The gallery also frequently organizes talks, screenings, readings, and other public events to foster dialogue around the exhibits. All events and exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Recognition and Impact
Since its founding, 68projects has earned critical acclaim and recognition for its innovative and thought-provoking program. The gallery has been featured in Frieze, Artforum, and Monopol publications. In 2019, 68 projects were awarded the ADKV-Art Cologne Prize for their outstanding program and contributions to contemporary art.
68projects continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art and gain international renown. A visit to this gallery is necessary for any art lover visiting Berlin. With its eclectic mix of emerging talent and multimedia works, 68 projects offer an unparalleled glimpse into the global contemporary art scene.
Touring the Unique Architecture of the Gallery
You’ll immediately notice the architectural details that make 68 projects unique as you enter the gallery.
The Building’s History
The space was initially constructed in the late 19th century, serving as a warehouse for decades. In the mid-2000s, the building was renovated and transformed into an art gallery, preserving many original details like exposed brick walls, large windows, and wooden beams. These industrial accents create a rustic yet modern feel, ideally suited for displaying contemporary art.
Minimalist Design
The gallery has a minimalist design, high ceilings, concrete floors, and moveable partition walls. This blank canvas allows artwork to become the focus without distraction from the space itself. The open floor plan gives curators flexibility in arranging exhibitions.
Abundant Natural Light
68projects is filled with natural light thanks to its many large windows. It provides ideal viewing conditions for appreciating the vibrant colours and textures of the art. In the evenings, spotlights illuminate the space.
Rooftop Terrace
One of the highlights of 68 projects is the rooftop terrace, which offers city views. This outdoor space is used for special events and receptions and allows visitors to enjoy fresh air while taking in the scenery.
With its rich history, minimalist design, natural lighting, and rooftop terrace, 68projects creates the perfect backdrop for experiencing art. A visit to this gallery is sure to inspire.
Notable Exhibitions and Artists Featured at 68projects
68projects is renowned for featuring avant-garde artwork from up-and-coming contemporary artists in Berlin. The gallery showcases many mediums, including paintings, sculptures, video installations, and mixed media pieces.
Some noteworthy exhibitions have included:
| “New Voices” | An annual juried show is spotlighting emerging talent. The gallery receives hundreds of submissions and selects approximately ten artists to exhibit their work. This show exposes promising new artists and allows collectors to discover fresh talent. |
| “The Raw and The Refined” | This show juxtaposed rugged, textural abstract paintings with polished minimalist sculptures. The contrast between the raw, gritty pictures and the refined, sleek sculptures created an interesting dynamic and visual interplay. |
| “Through the Looking Glass” | An exhibition of surreal and bizarre sculptures, collages and assemblages meant to evoke a sense of weirdness and uncanniness. The show tapped into themes of distorted realities and strange dreamscapes. |
Some celebrated artists who have shown at 68projects include:
| Lea Schleiffenbaum | A Berlin-based painter known for her rich, impasto oil paintings full of energetic brushstrokes and drips. Her abstract works are dynamic, tactile and evocative. |
| Jonas Burgert | He was an influential painter associated with the Leipzig School of Artists. His massive fantasy landscapes and allegorical scenes incorporate historical and mythological references. His paintings have been exhibited internationally. |
| Alicja Kwade | He is a renowned contemporary sculptor who works with space, perception and the relationship between objects. Her intriguing conceptual sculptures often play with time, reality and physics ideas. Kwade has had solo shows at major museums. |
68projects is a pivotal gallery for discovering and supporting groundbreaking new talent and showcasing influential contemporary artists in Berlin. Their innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions highlight the vibrant art scene in Berlin.
Behind-the-Scenes: How Exhibitions Are Curated
Once exhibitions have been proposed and approved, the real work begins. Curating an art exhibition is a meticulous process that can take 6-18 months of planning to execute correctly.
Acquiring the Artwork
The first step is acquiring the pieces to be featured. The curator must determine if the artwork will be loaned from private collections, purchased, or commissioned specifically for the exhibition. They consider the theme, quality, and availability of relevant works in making this decision.
Developing the Layout
Next, the curator sketches how the art will be arranged in the gallery. The group pieces with complementary themes, subjects or styles aim to lead viewers through the exhibition in a logical flow or sequence—the curator experiments with different configurations on paper before finalizing the design.
Installation and Hanging
With the layout set, the art is prepared for installation. Two-dimensional works are framed or mounted, while three-dimensional pieces are placed on pedestals. The curator then oversees precisely hanging and placing each job at the pre-determined spots in the gallery space. It requires careful measuring and levelling to achieve an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Interpretive Material
The curator develops interpretive material such as object labels, wall text, and brochures to provide context. These educate visitors about the exhibition’s artwork, artists, themes and subjects. The curator writes in an authoritative yet accessible tone for a general audience.
Opening Event
Finally, the curator plans an opening reception to launch the new exhibition. They work with gallery staff to coordinate catering, entertainment, guest lists, speeches, and interactive activities. The curator greets attendees and answers questions about the curation process and featured works at the event.
The behind-the-scenes work required to curate an art exhibition is extensive but rewarding. By researching, planning and organizing thoroughly, the curator constructs an enlightening experience for gallery visitors. Their efforts in acquiring art, determining layouts, overseeing installation and creating interpretive material shape how people understand and engage with the artwork on display.
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Quick Facts About 68projects
Name: 68projects
Location: Berlin
Country: Germany
Founded: 2015
Address: Fasanenstraße 68, 10719 Berlin, Germany
Zipcode: 10719
Telephone: +49 30 889288760
Email: galerie@galeriekornfeld.com
