Visit Art Cologne 2013
Germany's oldest art fair, Art Cologne, is exhibiting works from over 200 galleries from April 19-22.
Germany's most significant art fair
There's hardly an art fair in the world that has had to fight as hard for its reputation as Art Cologne. But the world's oldest art fair has indeed made a comeback. More than 200 galleries are showing their works in Cologne through April 22, 2013.
Pricey paintings
Even in times of economic crisis, art is still considered a valuable investment. Buying a work by Pablo Picasso is never a bad investment. Austrian gallery Salis & Vertes is currently showing several of his works. This piece from 1965, "Tête d’homme," can be yours for just 3.25 million euros ($4.24 million).
Empty stares
Stefan Balkonhol's reliefs have simple but visual titles, like "Woman in a Green Dress" and "Man in a Pink Sweater." His sculptures put people in the spotlight, and he creates archetypes that he then alters. The clothing and postures he uses are timeless, and instead of showing emotion the figures stare into empty space. Balkonhol is among the most sought-after sculptors in Germany.
Sprawling forms
Anthony Cragg is another important and multi-faceted sculptor in Germany. Born in the UK, the award-winning artist has lived for more than 40 years in Wuppertal. He has participated in the documenta art festival in Kassel several times. Pictured is Cragg's "Runner" from 2009.
On the river
This elegant canoe, with which Romanian artist Adam Chodzko once paddled along English rivers, is now looking for a buyer. The artist had invited people who live on both sides of the Tamar River in Great Britain to join him on his boot trip. The project was part of his research into human behavior. For him, the river also symbolizes crossing borders.
Isolated art scene
For the first time, a gallery from Havana is exhibiting at Art Cologne. Cuban artist Ricardo Brey lives in Belgium and first got noticed in the 1990s. The objects in his installations have a life of their own. These gloves come from thieves whose hands were chopped off as a punishment for their crimes.
Spy games
James Rosenquist was, along with Andy Warhol, one of the most significant representatives of the Pop Art genre. For Art Cologne, he selected a work from his private collection. In this piece, he deals with the confusing and mysterious structures of the secret service.
Expensive pants
Damien Hirst is currently one of the most controversial artists in the contemporary art scene. His huge installations once brought in millions of dollars. At Art Cologne, his painted pair of Levi's 501 jeans is going for 55,000 euros. The psychedelic color explosion is reminiscent of the 1970s.
Up-and-coming in Brazil
Brazil's burgeoning art market is increasingly showing potential, which is good news for Vik Munoz. He is one of the country's most significant contemporary artists. Munoz's "Obama" is on show at Art Cologne. Last year alone, 145 million euros worth of artworks were sold in Germany, which many of the sales linked to Art Cologne.