ART COLOGNE 2019 – New layout, more focused, strong sales

The successful course of the 53rd ART COLOGNE shows that the reconfiguration of the art fair has been just as well-received by the public as by the exhibitors. Around 57,000 visitors, an increase of around three percent in comparison to the previous year, opened themselves enthusiastically to the art presented by 176 galleries from 24 countries.

The first edition of UNLOCK Art by ZEITmagazin, the first art market conference of ZEITmagazin at ART COLOGNE, was also a success. With more than 400 participants, the conference was completely booked. The organisers, ZEITmagazin and WELTKUNST, were able to welcome, among others, the gallery owner Johann König, the artist Tino Sehgal, the French historian Bénédicte Savoy, the actress and photographer Katja Flint, the entrepreneur and art patron Grażyna Kulczyk, as well as Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Head of Serpentine Galleries, London as panel guests. The second UNLOCK Art by ZEITmagazin conference will take place once again at the coming ART COLOGNE 2020.

"ART COLOGNE is always good for us", said Morten Korsgaard from the Galleri Bo Bjergaard. "With the combination of German and Danish artists, who, like Tal R and Per Kirkeby, have a close relationship with Germany, we have a very special position here, with which we are very successful in Cologne", according to the Copenhagen gallery owner, who sold a diptych by Brigitte Waldach to an institution and a large-format charcoal drawing by Per Kirkeby to a private collector. Korsgaard also found buyers for the paintings of Anna Bjergen and a monumental collage by Tal R.

The Galerie Eigen + Art reported its NEW POSITIONS sponsorship booth being completely sold out shortly after the opening of the fair. All drawings by Ulrike Theusner found buyers; also very much in demand were the works of Karl-Heinz Adler. Two glass sculptures by Kai Schimenz went to collectors at prices of €46,000 and €26,000 respectively. "ART COLOGNE is always a great forum for us", reported Christian Ehrentraut, Senior Director of the Berliner Galerie. On the last day of the show the gallery could confirm the sale of a painting by Neo Rauch to a private collection for €880,000.