This month, we’re sharing the top five best Berlin exhibitions that stand out for their compelling exploration of contemporary themes and innovative artistic expressions. From Xie Nanxing’s enigmatic works at Capitain Petzel to the thematic exploration of memory at Peres Projects, Berlin’s galleries are offering a feast for the senses. Join us as we delve into these exceptional exhibitions.
Xie Nanxing: f o r a d e c a s a
Capitain Petzel
Installation view of Xie Nanxing’s “f o r a d e c a s a” at Capitain Petzel, Berlin, 2024. Photo by Marjorie Brunet Plaza; Courtesy of the artists and Capitain Petzel.
April 25–June 1, 2024
Karl-Marx-Allee 45, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Xie Nanxing‘s exhibition at Capitain Petzel is a masterclass in ambiguity and painterly prowess. Known for his complex layering and meticulous technique, Nanxing’s work invites viewers into a labyrinth of visual and conceptual exploration. This latest collection continues his interrogation of the medium of painting itself, blurring the lines between figuration and abstraction.
Upon entering the gallery, one is immediately struck by the scale and depth of Nanxing’s canvases. Each piece operates like a puzzle, with hidden elements and subtle shifts in perception that challenge the observer’s understanding. His use of light and shadow, combined with a palette that oscillates between muted tones and vibrant bursts, creates a dynamic interplay that is both unsettling and mesmerizing.
Nanxing’s work often involves a narrative element, though it remains elusive and fragmented. This ambiguity encourages viewers to engage actively with the artwork, piecing together stories and meanings from the clues embedded within the layers of paint. The result is a deeply personal and introspective experience, making this exhibition a standout in Berlin’s spring lineup.
What we loved: Inspired by the football pitch, “f o r d e c a s a” plays with imagery from the globally beloved sport, taking from the soccer field as a source of artistic drive.
Tursic & Mille: Stains, Stars and other Catastrophes
Galerie Max Hetzler
Tursic & Mille, “Diversion with Dinosaur (After John Ferneley),” 2024, oil on canvas, 200 x 250.5 cm, courtesy of the artist and Galerie Max Hetzler Berlin.
Installation view of Tursic & Mille’s “Stains, Stars and other Catastrophes,” photo by def image, courtesy of the artists and Galerie Max Hetzler.
May 3—June 1, 2024
Goethestrasse 2-3, 10623 Berlin, Germany
The collaborative duo Tursic & Mille return to Galerie Max Hetzler with an exhibition that continues their exploration of the boundaries between painting and digital imagery. Their work is a vibrant commentary on contemporary visual culture, blending references from art history with elements from advertising, pop culture, and the internet.
This show features a series of large-scale paintings that juxtapose classical motifs with contemporary iconography. The playful yet critical approach of Tursic & Mille challenges the traditional hierarchies of high and low art, inviting viewers to reconsider the nature of image consumption in the digital age.
One standout piece is a reinterpretation of a classic pastoral scene, overlaid with fragments of digital distortion and bold, graphic elements. This collision of old and new creates a tension that is both visually striking and thought-provoking. Tursic & Mille’s ability to blend these disparate elements into a cohesive whole underscores their position as leading voices in contemporary art.
What we loved: As Tursic & Mille’s fifth exhibition at Max Hetzler, the show debuts several new paintings and sculptures that continue to spearhead their efforts to redefine the contemporary world.
Paolo Salvador: Memoria
Peres Projects
Installation view of Paolo Salvador’s “Memoria,” photo by Jerzy Goliszewski, courtesy of Peres Projects.
April 26—June 8, 2024
Karl-Marx-Allee 82, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Paolo Salvador’s “Memoria” at Peres Projects is a poignant and multifaceted exploration of memory and its impact on identity and culture. The immersive nature of this show draws viewers into a contemplative space, prompting reflections on their own experiences and memories. As Salvador’s fifth solo exhibition with the gallery, the exhibition features an assortment of his paintings that detail his personal perspective combining his Peruvian cultural background while prompting viewers to think about their own cross-cultural positions.
These images serve as a reminder of the transient nature of existence and the power of memory to preserve the ephemeral.
What we loved: This exhibition is Salvador’s fifth solo exhibition with Peres Projects, and features all new works.
Ann Veronica Janssens: spring show
Esther Schipper
Installation view of Ann Veronica Janssens’ Spring Show, photo by Andrea Rossetti, courtesy of the artist and Esther Schipper.
April 26–June 15, 2024
Potsdamer Strasse 81E, D-10785 Berlin, Germany
Esther Schipper’s Spring Show features a curation of Ann Veronica Janssens’ work, now her sixth solo exhibition at the gallery. The exhibition puts over fifty years’ worth of Janssen’s creations into conversation with one another, detailing her own continuous transformation and the fluidity of human growth.
The Berlin gallery show features pieces that extend beyond standstill installations: with its standout piece Swings, visitors are invited to sit on a hanging swing seat. This piece serves as a portal for viewers to revisit their childhood with a multi-sensory experience as they feel the flying air swoop in front of them, generating a sense of nostalgia and further proof of human perception as art. Several of Janssen’s featured pieces play with light and movement, creating an ever-changing visual experience.
Esther Schipper’s latest show is a continued testament to the gallery’s commitment to fostering innovative artistic practices. It provides a platform for artists to push the boundaries of their mediums and engage with contemporary phenomena in meaningful ways.
What we loved: With its interactive aspects, Janssen’s exhibition highlights her continuing experimentation in the realm of contemporary art.
Territory
Sprüth Magers
Installation view of Tan Jing’s “Territory” in group exhibition, photo by Ingo Kniest, courtesy of the artist and Sprüth Magers.
April 27–July 27, 2024
Oranienburger Strasse 18
“Territory” at Sprüth Magers is an exploration of space, boundaries, and the human experience of place. This thematic exhibition brings together works by five artists, each examining the concept of territory from different angles, be it physical, political, or psychological.
One of the most compelling pieces in the show is a large-scale installation that transforms the gallery space into a fragmented landscape. Through the use of found materials and intricate constructions, the artist creates a disorienting environment that challenges the viewer’s perception of space and place.
Another highlight is a series of photographs that document the changing urban landscape, capturing the tension between natural and built environments. These images offer a powerful commentary on the impact of urbanization and the ways in which human activity shapes and redefines territory.
“Territory” is a thought-provoking exhibition that encourages viewers to consider their own relationship to the spaces they inhabit. It underscores the importance of place in shaping identity and culture, making it a timely and relevant addition to Berlin’s spring art season.
What we loved: The exhibition is Sprüth Mager’s first group show that centers solely on the creations of female Asian artists.
Berlin’s spring gallery shows offer a rich tapestry of artistic expression, each exhibition bringing a unique voice and vision to the forefront. From Xie Nanxing’s enigmatic paintings at Capitain Petzel to the thematic explorations of memory and space at Peres Projects and Sprüth Magers, there is something to captivate every art enthusiast. These shows not only highlight the diversity and dynamism of Berlin’s art scene but also provide a platform for meaningful engagement with contemporary issues and ideas.
