"The democratization of art is a process that has been an issue since the Dadaists."

In 2017, the art scene initially reacted skeptically to the founding of Art Düsseldorf. But lo and behold, the fair has established itself and is a fixed date for collectors, curators, gallery owners and art enthusiasts - and not just from the region. The sixth edition will take place from April 12 to 14 with high-quality and carefully curated exhibitors. A total of 105 galleries, including 34 new participants, will present their program. We spoke to Walter Gehlen, Director of Art Düsseldorf, about what visitors can expect this year and how important it is to the organizers to also welcome visitors from outside the art bubble to the Areal Böhler site.

Mr. Gehlen, you are the founder of Art Düsseldorf. How did you come up with the idea of launching an art fair in the state capital?
The Rhineland has two art capitals, which has been a learned reality for decades. I therefore wanted to find a solution to put Düsseldorf, with all its institutions and galleries, in the spotlight of the international art scene. So it was obvious to launch a new fair; and that's what I did in 2017 with Art Düsseldorf. Contrary to all the doubts that were initially expressed about this project, my assessment was correct. We are now looking at a trade fair landscape in Germany that clearly reflects the needs of all players in the art scene, as well as those of the public.

How did you personally get into art?
I applied to the Düsseldorf Art Academy after graduating from high school because I was interested in becoming an artist. But that didn't work out, so I started studying art history in Cologne. However, I missed the economic subjects here, so I completed a degree in economics at the same time - I studied art history more as a "pleasure subject". In 2003, I realized the idea of creating an art fair in Cologne alongside Art Cologne, the Artfair. That was my start in the art business, so to speak.

You just said that you missed the economic aspect of art history. That sounds very true to life. How important do you think art should be in society in general?
In these times, art is a very important cultural element that spans cities, countries, even continents, if not the whole world. It enables us to get in touch with each other without having to struggle for the right words and is therefore indispensable.

What is special about Art Düsseldorf and what distinguishes it from other established art fairs?
Every art fair is related to its venue. The city of Düsseldorf also has its own profile with an interesting gallery landscape, important collections and a special audience. That makes up its atmosphere. Added to this is the Art Düsseldorf program and the special event location: the Areal Böhler. Both the public and the participants praise this time and again. The high exhibition quality in the Areal Böhler, the old steelworks halls have a very positive influence on the quality of stay for visitors and galleries. In cooperation with the players in Düsseldorf, we can also implement an excellent supporting program - with talks and guided tours of the fair. This also radiates into the institutions and collections. What Art Düsseldorf is also repeatedly praised for is the outstanding exhibition program with great works, which is received with great interest by the public.

Which galleries are participating in 2024, which exhibitors are you particularly proud of? And what criteria did you use to select the galleries?
The most important criterion for us is quality, and the overall portfolio of artists and works at the fair is also very balanced. As these aspects play a major role in the selection process, we are supported by an expert jury. This year, I am particularly excited about the positions at Konrad Fischer, Galerie Thomas Schulte or Buchmann Galerie from Berlin and at Kewenig, from Berlin and Mallorca.

The art industry is sometimes very elitist; with Art Düsseldorf you are taking a different approach. You are very open to anyone interested in art and also want to appeal to an audience outside the industry. Why is that so important to you?
In my opinion, there is no other institution than the art fair that should take on the task of attracting new collectors. The fair is a great way to reach a broad audience interested in art. It is much more difficult for a gallery to find out which target group is interested in its specific program, to contact them at the same time and to invite them to events. An art fair, on the other hand, is a major event that can also address and reach more people across the board via social media. It's our job every year to find out how we can find people who are interested in art and connect these new collectors with the galleries. Buying art is a great thing - not just for personal development. Ultimately, art is also interesting as an investment. However, you should talk to your tax advisor beforehand, as there are many options in this area. All in all, buying art is a wonderful and exciting task.

Does the concept of Art Düsseldorf stand for a kind of democratization of art, through which even interested people with a small budget can acquire works?
The democratization of art is a process that has been an issue since the Dadaists. In fact, anyone with an interest in art can feed their passion by visiting museums. But you also have the opportunity to buy works on a small budget, such as editions. Acquiring art is therefore very easy these days and can also be realized with great pleasure at Art Düsseldorf.

How do you see the new Kunstpalast in this context? Is it a kind of trend to make art accessible to a wide audience?
It's great when art reaches many people, that's exactly the right way. If you achieve this with a varied program, then it's a great achievement. It is not without reason that the Kunstpalast is praised by the press and the public.

Art:walk48

The Art:walk 48 ticket gives you two days (48 hours) access to six renowned art museums in Düsseldorf: K20, K21, Kunsthalle, Kunstpalast, NRW Forum and KIT.
(Photo: U. Otte)

Besides the new Kunstpalast, what else do you appreciate in and about Düsseldorf?
I was born in Düsseldorf and live in Cologne. Accordingly, I am someone who enjoys the advantages of both cities to the full. It is part of Düsseldorf that you are offered a top-class art program. That's why I'm also a member of the sponsoring associations of the individual institutions. I recommend everyone to do so, because you get great guided tours at the previews of the exhibitions, which teach you a lot, and you meet like-minded people. And you can go out for an excellent meal in Düsseldorf. I also grew up with the Rhenish meadow landscape, which touches me deeply and always draws me back to Düsseldorf for long walks, for example from Kaiserswerth to Stockum.

More information at art-dus.de.

Interview: Katja Vaders
Photos: Art Düsseldorf 2023