What is your profession?
I am a gallerist at Weserhalle. I founded it in the last hour of 2017. Crushing it ever since. Hard.
Why do you work in the “art world”?
I believe it’s where I fit best. I like making, organising, talking… heck I even quite like the emailing from time to time. I enjoy the majority of people that gravitate towards it. Quite an odd bunch in a way that resonates. Not just artists, but those who facilitate and what not. It’s the only creative job I’ve had where I feel you can be truly absurd and make some sort of sense. I also hate it to bits. But then I quickly love it again.
How do you describe your job to a child?
I have a room where I hang pictures and place objects. I sit in this room at a desk, and invite people to look at the things. When they arrive, we stand in small groups, with drinks and smoking but the smoking is optional, Jimmy, and I wouldn’t recommend even trying it. We also talk, Jimmy. What about you say? Mainly very small petty things. Sometimes we even talk about the pictures but that’s quite rare if you can believe that. Occasionally, a person really enjoys the picture very much, and they want to take it home with them. When this happens, I am very happy. And that’s about it! But I need to write some emails now, Jimmy. I don’t even really know how you got in here. Is there someone I can call? Don’t cry Jimmy. It will be ok. Oh, Jimmy.
When did you know you wanted to do something with art?
Drawing was my gateway. From a very early age – like 6 or 7 – I was the go-to-guy for doodles. The feeling of making something and it being enjoyed in some way felt rather nice. Still on that path, though it meandered left at some point, then a hard right.
Why does society need art?
It doesn’t need it. It’s a healthy expression that it does. In the truest sense, whether it’s “good” or not is besides the point. Make art, music. Paint. Make a mess. Present it if you must.
Should art be political?
Great art is authentic, and if the need of the time, of that artist, is to make a statement that happens to be political, then, that’s what it is. To say all artwork should be something is odd and wild. We also need art that reminds us of beauty and gives us space to breathe and reflect on the nature beyond politics. You know? The viewer can add their politics and all their things to the image however they like. Let’s discuss more?
Which artwork moved you most recently?
I recently exhibited the artist Jiwon Choi, a South Korean painter. Their artwork is delicate, vibrant and a bit creepy – a great balance! One I’m often drawn to. Whilst the whole exhibition was stunning, there was one small format painting in particular that moved me somewhat – Crop. The face of a china doll filling the canvas, only allowing a glimpse of the background. Both a portrait and a still life. I really get a sense that the stare of her will outlast us all… I think of my death. It makes me certain that I will die. And so will you. Moved I was. Moved I am!
How do you experience collaboration/support in the art scene?
Collaboration between commercial art galleries is a little… tough. But it is possible. Especially when in completely different regions. We have built a great little relationship with the South Korean gallery This Weekend Room. We met at Positions Berlin Art Fair, and realised that our tastes overlap somewhat. Where appropriate, we have been presenting each other’s artists and introducing them into our respective markets ever since.
A secret about you:
When I first moved to Berlin I made an album. I heard it played on NTS quite recently at a local cafe. No idea how they found the thing. The circle is now complete.
Foto: ©Anna Meinecke
