It’s all happening: We’ve arrived on Samos Island to meet with architects and builders, marking the beginning of the reconstruction of the former Public Olive Press in Marathokampos into an artist residency.

Last year, after visiting friends on Samos (@kerkisecho ), we decided to acquire the old olive press, located in the heart of Marathokampos Village. Like many historic sites in this charming area, the building had been left to deteriorate over the decades.

For years, we’ve dreamed of expanding the scope of our Art Foundation (@arndt_collection #arndtfoundation) with a project based on a Greek island.

We’re now in the process of rescuing and restoring the site—naming it and transforming it into a unique space for artists, curators, and creative minds. It will be a place for reflection, inspiration, and creation.

Stay tuned and follow the journey of this exciting new chapter for The Arndt Family Art Foundation—launching in summer 2026!

It is always inspiring to travel to Berlin for Gallery Weekend. Over the past two decades, the capital has solidified its position as one of the creative centres in Europe.  For this major annual event galleries open their doors, flanked by major museum exhibitions showing a wide range of emerging and established positions. Some of my highlights included Klára Hosnedlová's exhibition at the Hamburger Bahnhof and Frank Auerbach's presentation at Michael Werner Gallery. Other striking exhibitions included “Bombois", curated by Tom Anholt at Galerie Judin, Thomas Struth at Galerie Max Hetzler, “Uncensored” by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley at NOME Gallery, and Shanee Roe’s solo exhibition at 68 Percent Projects.

Back in Monheim am Rhein, where I have the privilege of advising the city on the foundation of a major new arts project: the “Mack-Pyramide.” This exciting mandate involves conceiving a new art center—an exhibition space and Kunsthalle—dedicated to private collections and foundations. I’m also overseeing the realization of this fifty-million-euro project, which reflects Monheim’s visionary commitment to the arts and its citizens.

At its core is a building designed by German artist Heinz Mack (@mack.foundation b. 1931) in the 1990s—an architectural and artistic Gesamtkunstwerk that will be restored and expanded with a 2,500 sqm extension, creating a new architectural landmark on the cultural map of North Rhine-Westphalia.

I wanted to see this exquisite exhibition of JULIE MEHRETU (@juliemehretu b. 1970, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) since it opened in Sydney. The actual experience of “A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory” today, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney (@mca_australia ) exceeded all my expectations: Mehretu‘s enchanting paintings and vibrant works on paper, in an excellent curation, blew me away!

Having seen and enjoyed Mehretu’s work at the Palazzo Grassi (@palazzo_grassi /Pinault Collection) last year in Venice, the MCA presentation (marking Julie Mehretu’s first solo presentation in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region - curated by Suzanne Cotter (@suzanne_mcotter ) and Jane Devery (@janeclaired ), offers a representative but still intimate insight into Mehretu’s rich oeuvre.

With my pictures, I share this beautiful quote from Mehretu, letting the artist have the last word, while I remain in awe, adoring her paintings.

“There are a myriad of positive and negative aspects to the world we are living in. It’s overwhelming… I am deeply committed to the language of abstraction as a place to negotiate these complexities and contradictions.”
___ Julie Mehretu

“A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory” is on view at MCA Sydney, until 27 April.

I highly recommend the current retrospective "Sigmar Polke (1941-2010): Beneath the Cobblestones, the Earth" on view at The Fondation Vincent Van Gogh, in Arles, France. Polke is considered as one of the most important artists of the postwar era and was acclaimed for his ever-critical artistic investigations. This show brings together, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures and films, that present the experimental nature of his oeuvre.  Until 26 October.

Matthias Arndt pictured with a work by Sigmar Polke at the Schinkel Pavillon, Berlin

Amongst my favourite Artist Commissions & still resonating from my visit to Paris last October: HENRI MATISSE’s commission for the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, France, stands as a masterpiece of his late career and a profound expression of his artistic and spiritual vision. The MUSEE D‘ART MODERNE DE PARIS (@museedartmodernedeparis) has some of the maquette‘s and designs for this project on permanent display.

Completed in 1951, the chapel was conceived as a collaboration between Matisse and Sister Jacques-Marie, a Dominican nun who had once been his nurse. Despite being an atheist for much of his life, Matisse poured his energy into designing every element of the chapel, from the stained glass windows and murals to the furnishings and vestments.

The vibrant stained glass windows, featuring blue, green, and yellow hues, create a luminous, serene atmosphere, while his minimalist black-and-white murals depict religious figures and symbols with simplicity and grace. Matisse called the chapel his “masterpiece,” stating it was the culmination of his life’s work. The Chapelle du Rosaire remains a testament to his ability to unite art, light, and spirituality into a harmonious whole.

Image Caption:
At the Musee d‘Art Moderne de Paris and Matisse’s commission for the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence

There are a number of artworks to write home about from Melbourne Art Fair (@melbourneartfair ), that I previewed today.

Following a few personal picks, amongst works we are considering within mandates with the agency (@arndtartagency ):

#zaachariahafielding

#matthiasarndtrecommends #arttravelwithmatthiasarndt #artadvisor #artfair #melbourneartfair

It is always a treat and insightful to bump into ALAIN SERVAIS, a genuine art lover. Alain is a collector (@collectionservais ) with an incredible eye and an incorruptible sense of quality and taste. Few art buyers are as informed as he is. Servais travels to art fairs and exhibitions nonstop. He also generously shares his insights on the X platform, and with a sharp tongue and plenty of wit, he speaks his informed mind. Chapeau, dear Alain! It’s a pity you’re not on Instagram.

Image Caption: With Alain Servais and Khadija Hamdi (@khadija___hamdi ) during the Collector’s Preview of Asia Now (@asianow ) in Paris.

It was such a delight to have my dear friend and colleague Hervé Mikaeloff (@hervemikaeloff ) and his partner Frédéric over to the Mornington Peninsula, to our Artbarn (@arndt_collection ) and Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park (@ptleoestate ). Thank you for visiting from Paris, chers amis!

#visitingaustralia #theartbarn #arndtcollectionaustralia #ptleosculpturepark #kaws @kaws @arndt_collection

Back in Berlin, ZAACHARIAHA FIELDING’s debut solo exhibition in Europe is now open. Please visit the show „Manguri - Halo“ until 21 July, at Galerie Grolman (@galerie.grolman )

Zaachariaha Fielding @zaachariahafielding.art is a multi-disciplinary artist originally from the Mimili Community in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, currently working out of the APY collective (@apy_ac_collective @collectiveartcentre) on Kaurna land/Adelaide: “I was raised on desert country in the eastern Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, and come from a long line of multidisciplinary artists. I am compelled to make work that honors the visual language of my ancient culture. The iconography reflects the way I live my culture in the present, as a constant feature of my world, and visualizes how I interact with the beings that populate the Tjukurpa I’ve inherited.”

The exhibition entitled ‚Manguri- Halo’ is staged in collaboration with the APY Art Centre Collective (@apy_ac_collective) and Arndt Art Agency (@arndtartagency)

An artwork particularly close to my heart is “NARCISSUS GARDEN” (1966/2024), by YAYOI KUSAMA (@yayoi_kusama.official ).

Not only it represents a seminal work by one of the most influential artists of our time. „Narcissus Garden“ also evokes fond memories of an earlier project, when, in 2003, I had the privilege to host Yayoi Kusama’s first solo exhibition at my Berlin Gallery (@arndtfineart ), during which we placed a version of “Narcissus Garden” in a prominent collection in the United States.

Last but not least, as a fan and supporter of the National Gallery of Victoria (@ngvmelbourne ), I am delighted to see this installation on display in Melbourne and for the artwork to be acquired for the permanent collection of the NGV.

NEVER DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF AN INSPIRATION”
- George Condo

Following some notes about GEORGE CONDO’s practice and a piece of advice from a Contemporary Master to young painters:
„The Mad and the Lonely“ have always been core subjects in the artist’s cosmos. Condo’s depictions of these Outsiders, often ignored and marginalised in life, are turned into masterfully crafted portraits and artistic masterpieces.

„What I love the most is Old Masters“, Condo told himself in the early 1980’s when starting out as a (self taught) artist. “So I started making Fake Old Master Paintings“ Condo said in a recent talk, a sparkling conversation with Massimiliano Gioni, hosted by DESTE Foundation, on Hydra Island. “Fake these works were because they were no Old Masters, as they carried my signature.“. Soon after Condo found a name for his approach: „Artificial Realism“. Realistic as in the representation of “that what is artificial, or man made, as the encyclopedias defined it.

Condo then came to the conclusion that “Every great artist creates his (or her) own species of humanity” referring to Picasso, Modigliani, El Greco and many others. “The Mad and the Lonely” therefore became Condo’s subject, populating his head and his canvases. “I refer to the characters in my paintings as characters in a novel: They have a life before a painting and a life after a painting.”

To young artists George Condo this valuable piece of advice:
„Go straight to the canvas and start to paint, don’t think what it is you are doing or what this is about.“ and (and this is utmost meaningful life advice also): TREAT PAINTING LIKE DINNER, JUST START EATING.“

The artistic depth and wealth in public art collections across Germany is stunning: Coming through Hamburg for half a day, I visit another state of the art Museum, the HAMBURGER KUNSTHALLE (@hamburger.kunsthalle ).

Located on Glockengießerwall, right in the City Center, the Kunsthalle was founded in 1817 by the Hamburg Kunstverein — a local art society — but was not built until 1869. Private donors contributed two-thirds of the costs of about 300,000 D-Mark (a lot of money back then!) and turned the Hamburger Kunsthalle into a symbol of civic engagement. The building was expanded twice, in 1921 and 1997, and today is one of the largest art museums in Germany by exhibition space.
Highlights of the collection are medieval altars of Master Bertram and Master Francke, paintings by Dutch artists of the 17th century (including Rembrandt), masterpieces of German Romanticism (including P.O Runge, C.D. Friedrich), Impressionism and classic Modernism, as well as international contemporary art (incl. Pop Art, Concept Art, Minimal, video art and photography). Additionally, the Kunsthalle features 20 themed exhibitions every year.

I particularly enjoyed the room dedicated to #maxbeckmann the collection of works by #edvardmunch #paulklee #emilnolde #oskarschlemmer #edouardmanet old masters, such as #lucascranach the rooms by #isagenzken #gerhardrichter and #neorauch masterpieces by #janniskounellis #richardserra #berlindedebruyckere #haegueyang and many more. In a two hour visit I only scratched the tip of the iceberg. I have to come back, also to visit the many commercial galleries, art centers, the Hamburger Kunstverein the Falckenberg Collection and many private collections. Our family trip continues southward, to Frankfurt.

#matthiastraveldiary #arttravelwithmatthiasarndt #hamburgerkunsthalle #kunsthallehamburg #artmuseums #publicartcollection

A most precious moment during my preview-days in Venice: On my way to the airport, as my last visit to a Biennale-venue, I passed by TIMOR-LESTE’S (@timorleste_ ) inaugural pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale (@labiennale ), presenting MARIA MADEIRA’s (@mariamadeira._ ) project „Kiss and Don’t Tell“ (2024), curated by Natalie King (@natalieking_curator )

Madeira’s exhibition coincides with the 22nd anniversary of Timor-Leste’s independence from Indonesia and is breathtakingly beautiful, deeply felt and masterfully curated. Maria Madeira gives a voice to the painful incidents and conflicts of her country, where words cannot describe and cannot mend. Deeply moved by the installation, I was lucky to get the opportunity to express my respect and compliments to the artist, who answered with a long and affectionate hug. Maria Madeira’s exhibition and this hug still resonate with me, I left Venice with an immense gift.

Heartfelt congratulations, also to the curator NATALIE KING (on the picture) and to the organisers and Anna Schwartz (@anna_schhh ), who supported this extraordinary project.

The 2024 BASEL PARCOURS set new standards for commercial art projects in the public sphere and in visitor engagement: On my flight towards home, I reflect on recent art experiences still resonating with me.

STEFANIE HESSLER (@steffihessler ), the Director of the Swiss Institute (@swissinstitute )) in New York - a fellow frequent art traveller, who I bumped into in Hongkong, Basel and in Athens in the past three months - is also the curator of the ART BASEL PARCOURS ( @artbasel )
In Athens, during Dakis Joannou’s (@donkey301239 ) generous annual reception for the International art community, Steffi and I spoke about the new tendency of a younger audience, that is keen to engage with art, looking for art experiences (fairs included) but in a different way. This ever growing younger community, sees themselves more as participants, than traditional collectors, willing to support artists & their work, but in different ways.
For this new audience the PARCOURS SECTOR at Art Basel offers the ideal distinctive showcase of site-specific installations, sculptures, interventions, and performances situated throughout the city of Basel.

In her 2024 Parcours-edition, Steffi Hessler united the quality of high end in-situ artistic interventions, usually an institutional format, with the component of high calibre selling show.
ALVARO BARRINGTON (@alvarobarrington ) for instance, specifically for Parcours, has created an architectural structure, paintings, and a wallpaper for the store “Tropical Zone”, which specializes on importing products from Africa to Switzerland. In his work, Barrington, who was born to Grenadian and Haitian parents, explores cultural production across the African diaspora historically and today. Barrington’s installation is conceived as a house with architectural references to his grandmother’s home and ubiquitous materials used as building elements in the Caribbean.

Thank you and Bravo, Bravissimo, dear Steffi!

Delighted to find this Collectors Profile in the current issue of „ART COLLECTOR MAGAZINE“ (@artcollectormagazine )

Thank you for having us with this excellent feature about our collection, home and the Artbarn, for the text/interview by DURO JOVICIC (@duroviewsart ) and photos by ELKE MEITZEL (@elkemeitzel ).

A shout out to the wonderful professionals, we have the pleasure and privilege to work with (@arndtartagency ): Back at JEPPE HEIN’S (@jeppehein ) studio to discuss our next projects and commissions: Despite Monday Morning after a busy Gallery Weekend, STEPHAN BABENDERERDE (@stephanbabendererde ), Jeppe’s longtime studio manager is a delight to work with. DANIEL is doing the best (and best looking) crates, tailor made for each piece. And who is lucky enough to work at JH Studio or visits around lunchtime: DANNY is the “studio chef” preparing every day the best fresh vegetarian organic cuisine in town. Jeppe also just published a book with the studio-kitchen recipes: “The Taste of Studio Jeppe Hein”…
Thank you, Team Jeppe Hein, we love working with you.

Back in North Rhine Westphalia, in Wuppertal, I visit the “Skulpturenpark Waldfrieden” (@skulpturenparkwaldfrieden ) as part of my research for our advisory mandate with @arndtartagency for the City of Monheim am Rhein (@monheim_am_rhein ).
In 2006 renown Sculptor TONY CRAGG (@craggtony ) acquired the „Villa Waldfrieden“ on stunning fourteen hectares ground. Parallel to the renovation of the Villa, Cragg added three modern Exhibition Pavillons and transformed the grounds into a sculpture park that opened in 2008, run by the CRAGG FOUNDATION: With its mix of curated monographic indoor exhibitions & solo presentations of outdoor sculptures by fellow artists - all in dialogue with loans from the city of Wuppertal, art foundations, collections, artists and the foundations growing collection - Waldfrieden set a new standard in the category of public sculpture presentation. In his curation Cragg and his team feature both regional and international master sculptors, amongst others Georg Baselitz, Thomas Schütte, Heinz Mack, Per Kirkeby, Sean Scully, Not Vital or Bogomir Ecker, as well as Henry Moore, Joan Miró but equally present the next generations of sculptors. With Skulpturenpark Waldfrieden Cragg created a public space that invites visitors to a dialogue with art and nature, providing unique experiences. He gave experts and fans of sculpture a sanctuary to enjoy and celebrate the medium. Last but least, the artist elevates the work of fellow artists and gifts to the region an ensemble of art, architecture and nature - a true Gesamtkunstwerk.

Arriving in Venice, part of the fun and folklore is to share a water taxi from the airport. I was lucky to have a fun crew of curators, fellow art collectors and advisors on board… Perfect start, exchanging recommendations and expectations.

It is so good to be back - I really look forward to this Biennale (@labiennale ) - the curation by Adriano Pedrosa (@adrianopedrosa ), but also to the many “Eventi Collaterale” across Venice.

With the exhibition „From One World To Another“, featuring forty artworks from our collection, being on view for another month at @sam_shepparton I reflect in gratitude about the joy of sharing our art with a larger audience.

Seeing artworks, we love and usually live with, enjoyed in public with visitors having their own dialogue with the works, is a delightful experience. My family and I are blown away by the positive feedback and comments we keep receiving from the audience. We also are extremely grateful for the excellent work and the hospitality we received from the Team of the Shepparton Art Museum and at this state of the art gallery!

Continuing my preview tour through what is an exceptionally diverse BIENNALE OF SYDNEY @biennalesydney) . This morning at the stunning new location WHITE BAY POWERHOUSE STATION (@whitebaypowerstationonwangal ) , that has been turned into a new arts venue, and is opened first time to the public through the Biennale.
Bumping into the Curators COSMIN COSTINAŞ (@cosmincostinas) & INTI GUERRERO (@intiatawalpa) again, came as an extra treat.

Bravo, Bravissimo, dear Cosmin and Inti! You have delivered such an exquisite exhibition with so many discoveries to be made! „TEN THOUSAND SUNS“ shining bright (on view over six venues in Sydney until 10 June 2024.

An advisory mandate that I have had the privilege of working on for the past two years, involves the creation of a new center for arts, media, and creative industries in the city of Monheim am Rhein (@monheim_am_rhein ), in the heart of Germany. At the core of the project is the restoration and repurposing of a commercial building designed by Heinz Mack (@heinz_mack_official ). Originally conceived as the headquarters for a pharmaceutical company, the unique pyramid-shaped structure with its original site-specific art interventions, known as the ‘Mack-Pyramide,’ is a Gesamtkunstwerk.

Working alongside the city’s mayor, Daniel Zimmermann (@daniel_zmm )—an adept administrator, leader, and art enthusiast—and his dedicated team of experts, we’ve developed a concept for the future use of the building as a ‘Creative Hub.’ This multifaceted space will house exhibition areas, commercial galleries, artist studios, art collections, and creative businesses, fostering an environment for creation, work, and business activities.

In the architectural competition ‘Transformation 2023,’ supported by the Art Circle of the Associations of the German Industry (BDI @kulturkreis_eu ) ), we selected a duo of architects with their winning design for an extension building. The design, ‘H Eins’ by Ruth Martin and Malte Grobenstieg from the University of Wuppertal, delivers iconic architecture with a focus on sustainability. These young architects capture the spirit of the 1960s ZERO Movement (@zero_foundation ), transforming its essence into a contemporary building.

As we work on realizing this new architectural landmark for the city of Monheim am Rhein, adding a new art hub to the cultural and economic center of Germany, I am privileged to contribute additional features, including a sculpture park, for this emerging city landscape.

We are excited to embark on this this philanthropic endeavour and collaboration with Hamburger Bahnhof Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (@hamburger_bahnhof ): For the coming years our Family Art Foundation (#arndtfoundation ) will annually provide the funds for an acquisition of an artwork for the permanent collection of the National Gallery at Hamburger Bahnhof.

The first artwork, donated in this ongoing collaboration is ISAAC CHONG WAI‘s (@isaacchongwai ) photo installation „Falling Reversely“ (2021), currently on view at the museum as part of „Nationalgalerie: A Collection for the 21st Century“.

Image Caption: With Sam Bardaouil (@sbardaouil ) and Till Fellrath (@till.fellrath ) Directors Hamburger BHF Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart and „Falling Reversely“ by Isaac Chong Wai - courtesy the Artist, Hamburger Bahnhof, Zilberman Gallery (@zilbermangallery ) and Arndt Foundation

We are so pleased to share some initial impressions from the opening weekend of Jeppe Hein's (@jeppehein) solo presentation "Share Your Perspectives" at The Artbarn in Cape Schanck. Thank you to all who so warmly welcomed Jeppe to Australia and made this event such a wonderful success!⁠
⁠
"With this ambitious presentation Jeppe Hein directs his audiences towards a reevaluation of the limits of art and an openness of experience, not only for and of themselves, but also their position in relation to others and the space around them." ⁠
-Rachael Vance, Curator.⁠
⁠
Photo credits: Ashley Ludkin (@ashleyludkin)

Attending the second edition of ART SG (@art.sg ). Following a few highlights and personal picks from my first round during the preview. What I enjoy with this fair, is it’s focus on the rich artistic practice across the Southeast-Asian- and Pacific Region.

I love coming to Canberra, particularly for such a special moment, as the unveiling of “Maggie”, The National Portrait Gallery’s (@portraitau ) commissioned portrait of Maggie Beer (@maggie_beer ) by Del Kathryn Barton (@delkathrynbarton ).

Having had the privilege to assist with this acquisition & having witnessed this extraordinary painting in the making, I am so delighted to see these two wonderful women together in front of the finished work. Finally meeting Australian Culinary Legend and sustainable food pioneer Maggie Beer AO comes as the ultimate gift.

Image Caption: With Maggie Beer & Del Kathryn Barton at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra; Del Kathryn Barton, “Maggie”, Acrylic on Linen, 2023; Commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery of Australia with funds provided by Hayley and James Baillie.

A gorgeous day for an art tour with Michael Elmgreen (@elmgreenanddragsetstudio ) and Young-jun Tak (@youngjun.tak ) out on the Mornington Peninsula: Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park (@ptleoestate ), The Artbarn (@arndt_collection ) and the Janet & Michael Buxton Collection. Thank you for the private tour, dear Luisa Bosci (@luisabosci ).

On Day III in London, starting the day with „GEORG BASELITZ: Sculptures 2011 - 2015“ at Serpentine Galleries (@serpentineuk). Enjoying the privilege to join a tour led by curator Tamsin Hong (@tamsin_hong) to then head to 1-54 Art Fair (@154artfair ) is the internationally leading fair dedicated to Art from the African Countries and Diaspora.

#matthiastraveldiary #arttravelwithmatthiasarndt #friezeweek #artlondon #artfair #serpentinegallery #georgbaselitz #154artfair

Over the past two days at SAM (@sam_shepparton) in Regional Victoria, we experienced what is an art collectors dream: Seeing a selection of artworks from our International and Australian Collection (@arndt_collection ) in an exquisite curation and the elegant setting of this new museums building, is a delight.

The conversations and encounters during the lunches, collection tours and the gala dinner were fun and insightful. Thank you, team SAM, Rachael Vance and all visitors for making this project and show such a memorable experience!

So nice to see you! Art fairs are always great moments of gathering, to meet, to exchange ideas and views, to do business or simply to catch up. Before heading to Paris tomorrow, here a few dealers, artists and other art professionals I met or literally bumped into in London last week.

#nicetoseeyou @tamsin_hong #friezeartfair @friezeofficial @friezemasters

ASIANOW (@asianow) is a Boutique Art Fair dedicated to Asian Art and provides an incredibly diverse insight into Asian-Pacific Art, emerging and established. I have the utmost respect for the achievements of ALEXANDRA FAIN (@alexandrafain_asianow) and her team, who built a most successful art event for Paris. With our Art Agency (@arndtartagency) and Collection (@arndt_collection) we are avid visitors and supporters of the fair. Asianow is on view until the 22 October at La Monnaie de Paris.

This show alone is worth a visit:
For her exhibition, “À TOI DE FAIRE MA MIGNONNE” (It’s up to you, Darling), SOPHIE CALLE curated her own universe throughout the entire Musée National de Picasso (@museepicassoparis). By relocating Picasso’s works to the basement, Sophie unveils her unique world within the museum, showcasing her artwork, including new series, and even integrating her entire household and life into the museum space. Bravo, bravissimo, très chère Sophie - an exquisite curation. The theme of Absence, a core element in Calle’s practice, is eloquently portrayed in this captivating show (on view until January 2024), which also commemorates the 50th year since the influential artist’s absence from the last century.
On a personal note, this date marks the 30th anniversary of my delightful acquaintance with Sophie and the privilege of collaborating with one of the world’s leading female artists and contemporary storytellers, Sophie Calle. “À toi de faire ma mignonne!”
If you happen to be in Paris, don’t miss this unique exhibition and experience!

#sophiecalle #museepicasso #museepicassoparis #atoidejouer #atoidefaire #matthiasarndtrecommends #matthiastraveldiary #arttravelwithmatthiasarndt

I am excited about the first museum exhibition, curated with over forty works from our art collection (@arndt_collection), opening at SAM (@sam_shepparton) on 11 November. The exhibition title ‘FROM ONE WORLD TO ANOTHER’ is a program and personal at the same time. It evokes the idea of a journey. I understand collecting, my professional evolution from art dealer to advisor & agent, and my travel through the art world as one constant journey. Travel, whether for study, mandates, or acquisitions, fuels my curiosity and serves as my tonic. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with contemporary art, artists, and art lovers. Being surrounded by art—whether in artists’ studios, collections, museums, or at home—is a blessing and a privilege and we are thrilled to open our art collection to the public.

Art opens our senses and minds, making us see the world, and the many challenges it is facing, from a different (the artists’) perspective.

Stay tuned for the opening at Shepparton Art Museum on 11.11. and events on the 17th and 18th of November.

#arndtcollection #arndtcollectiononloan #sam_shepparton #sheppartonartmuseum #privatecollection #sharingart #artmuseum #artchangestheworld #fromoneworldtoanother

Yesterday, Barbara Moore, CEO of the Biennale of Sydney (@biennalesydney) presented the vision for the upcoming Biennale of Sydney, set to open in March 2024. I'm a devoted admirer of this institution, which has been bringing some of the finest art to Australia and showcasing Australian art to the world since 1973. It has helped transforming the continent into a global art destination.

I'm also a fan of Barbara Moore, one of the country's most celebrated arts managers. With her expertise and dedicated team, she has elevated the Biennale of Sydney to the exquisite event it is today. As a fellow frequent traveler in the art world, I often cross paths with Barbara at international events and have been following her impressive itinerary on IG. We may have even crossed paths high above the Earth at some point!

It was a pleasure to see you in person on Australian soil (in Naarm/Melbourne, on an invitation from Station Gallery @stationgalleryaustralia ), dear Barb! Thank you for sharing your firsthand insights. I can't wait to visit "Ten Thousand Suns," curated by INTI GUERRERO (@intiatawalpa ) and COSMIN COSTINAS (@cosmincostinas ) and explore the works of over 90 international and Australian artists in Sydney.

Yesterday I had the pleasure to receive a private tour of the Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (@hamburger_bahnhof) through Co-Director Sam Bardaouil(@sbardaouil). Taken by the subtle and fundamental reorganisation of the spaces and the collections, particularly liked ABSALON, ISAAC CHONG WAI (@isaacchongwai ), SOPHIE CALLE and ISA GENZKEN in „A Collection for the 21st Century“ and EVA FABRÉGAS „Devouring Lovers“ in the historical hall. Thank you for your time, the tour and the prospect of an exciting collaboration, dear Sam. And my most heartfelt congratulations on this blast of a start of your and Co-Director TILL FELLRATH‘s (@till.fellrath) inspirational work at the museum!

The most spectacular end to the Day two of Basel Week, the first of Art Basel: Yesterday in Basel at Theater Basel „Glacier Dreams“, by @refikanadol A collaboration with @bankjuliusbaer and @theaterbasel Congratulations dear Refik and Refik Anadol Studio!!!
#aboutlastnight #refikanadol #mediaart #digitalart #videoart

On our last day in London, GILBERT & GEORGE receive us at their studio off Brick Lane and give us a private tour to their newly opened "GILBERT & GEORGE CENTRE. An absolute highlight in many ways: Having visited the site on Heneage Street before planning and during construction, I am blown away by the space and presentation: a perfect mix of respected Heritage Building and a state of the art exhibition facility, masterfully planned and executed through Sirs Architects, the Gilbert & George Centre makes the artist's work available - free of charge, according Gilbert and George‘s generous "Art For All" approach.

I am so happy my son August, born in the year of our first Gilbert & George exhibition in 2008 could join me, as he is a fan and has grown up with the art of Gilbert & George.

Bye-bye London, you are still one of the leading art centres in the world. Here a few snapshot’s and highlights from a few gallery, museums and exhibition visits.

I am honoured and delighted for having been invited to join the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES. Serving and supporting one of Australia’s leading Art Museums, is a mission I take on with pride and gratitude. With the recently opened extension building „Sydney Modern“ (designed by SANAA Architects), a state of the art collection, curation, top management and a most successful fundraising efforts, the AGNSW rose up into the international premier Museums-League. I look forward to working with this most dedicated museums team and my honorable board members.

Congratulations to Rodel Tapaya upon the occasion of his debut solo presentation in London at Jack Bell Gallery in Mason's Yard, London!⁠
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Matthias Arndt was delighted to be present in London for the exhibition opening pictured to the left with Oly Durey of Jack Bell Gallery. The exhibition will run until the 16th of June over London Gallery Weekend.
⁠
Entitled "Can't See the Forest for the Trees", in this presentation the artist has produced a new series of portraits filled with lush flora and fauna, signalling an intellectual turn to the ecocentric, by spotlighting nature as the primary actor in the folklore that fuels his artistic imagination.⁠

AAA is so honoured to stage Del Kathryn Barton's debut solo exhibition entitled "of her own nature" in the United Kingdom at Cromwell Place. Congratulations to Del for this wonderful achievement!

AAA is so pleased to share the news of the opening of the Gilbert & George Centre (@gilbertandgeorgecentre) that will be open to the public from Saturday the 1st of April 2023!

Located in East London, the long-awaited art space comprises three state-of-the-art galleries spanning over 280 square metres and was designed by SIRS Architects (@sirs_architects). The gallery will present the first UK presentation of ‘THE PARADISICAL PICTURES’ which debuted at Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles in 2019, whereby AAA Founder, Matthias Arndt (@m.arndt), acted as artist liaison for this landmark project.

AAA is so pleased to share installation images of GILBERT & GEORGE's solo presentation "The Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Exhibition" at the Auckland Art Gallery (@aucklandartgallery)! If you are in Auckland, New Zealand, do not miss your opportunity to take in this spectacular overview of the internationally acclaimed artist duo's work on view until the the 11th of September.⁠
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Photo credit: Jennifer French, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Another „Boutique Art Fair“ that has established itself as a leading market platform for Art from the Mother-Continent Africa is „1/54 Art Fair“, celebrating it‘s tenth anniversary in London. 1/54 stands for „One Continent - 54 Countries“. An elegant and excellent fair, I never miss in London. Some of my personal highlights: #famakanmagassa #albertzbenda #salifoulindou #afikaris #collinsobijiaku #lucegallery #sthenjwaluthuli #unit #unitgallery #lavarmunroe #jackbellgallery #gradakilomba #matthiasarndtrecommends #arttravelwithmatthiasarndt #artfair #buyingart #collectingart #artmarket #artfairs #154artfair #africanart #africanartist

Heartfelt congratulations and a BIG BRAVO to the eighth edition of ASIANOW! With this boutique fair for Asian Art in the heart of Paris you and your dedicated team have created an outstanding platform for Asian Art in Europe with both top expertise, passion and soul!

Another exhibition that alone is the Paris-visit worth, is Fondation Cartier’s extraordinary survey of SALLY GABORI - the first solo exhibition of one of Australia’s most important contemporary artists! Thank you for the private tour, dear Juliette Lecorne, for this subtle curation and heartfelt congratulations to the success of this stunning show!
#fondationcartier #fondationcartierpourlartcontemporain #sallygabori #juliettelecorne #australianart #australianartist #matthiasarndtrecommends #artparis #parisplus

AAA Founder Matthias Arndt on tour in Paris taking in Alicja Kwade's (@alicjakwade) outstanding and largest public sculpture installation to date. "Au cours des Mondes" (2022), located in the Place Vendôme, comprises a set of spheres, reflecting simultaneity of time and space; the vast installation is curated by Jérôme Sans (@jeromesans) as part of PARIS + Art Basel (@artbasel). A must-see for Paris Art Week.

Thank you dear @rebeccacasati1 for having me amongst your illustrious guests for your GRISEBACH Podcast „The Addiction To See“. Please check out the GRISEBACH Podcast in which @rebeccacasati1 spoke with me about art being my passion and me having made my passion into a profession - about our work with @arndtartagency and about collecting art becoming an addiction…
For the link please visit @grisebach_
#matthiasarndt #grisebachpodcast #diesuchtzusehen #rebeccacasati #grisebachberlin #grisebach #grisebachauktionen #arndtartagency #arndtcollection #arndtcollectionrecommends #matthiasarndtrecommends #artagency #artistmanagement #collectingart #artadvisory

What a blast: JEFF KOONS' "APOLLO" a project in collaboration with Dakis Joannou‘s Deste Foundation took years in the making, postponed due to the pandemic for two years. The trip to Hydra was worthwhile: "I have always been "all in" Jeff says and his work is fundamental, encouraging the viewer to open to experiences. A generous gesture, inviting the audience to be enchanted by the magic of beauty - in antiquity and our current time. No detail left out… Bravo, bravissimo, dear Jeff and Dakis Joannou, the commissioner of this new masterpiece! #jeffkoons #koonsapollo #destefoundation #destefoundationhydra #artoftoday #artinantiquity #matthiasarndtrecommends

Meanwhile in Berlin: Sensus Communis is joining CODESS by UY with the VR installation Anti-Atlantis". On view at Halle am Wriezener Bahnhof, Berlin from the 15th to the 17th of July 2022.⁠
⁠The Sensus Communis team consists of previous Berlin Masters Foundation (@berlinmastersfoundation) participant and Schliemann Residency Winner (2020) EVELYN BENCICOVA (@evelyn_bencicova) alongside: Enes Güç (@enesguc), Zeynep Schilling (@zeydepth_2.0), Farahnaz Hatam & Colin Hacklander of LABOUR (@studio.labour), Joris Demnard and Manuel Farre of Ikonospace (@ikonospace).⁠
⁠The group are interested in multi-sensory analogies, memory, imagination, and notions of reality, specifically aimed at the medium of virtual reality while exploring the influence of multi-sensory immersive experiences on inducing conscious realisation.⁠
⁠“Anti-Atlantis" is an experimental multi-sensory installation at the nexus of immersive art and scientific inquiry that unites an interdisciplinary group of artists with Neomento, a leading virtual reality therapy and research group at Berlin’s Charite hospital. For this project, several participants are connected to the “source” via VR glasses and headphones experiencing individual, yet shared journey in ritualistic manner. The focus is on passage through dystopian vision of future, which could be still avoided by joined effort in creating the world we want to wake up into.⁠
⁠This project is has been realised with the generous support of the Arndt Art Agency (A3), Slovak Art Fund (FPU), and Callie’s Berlin (@calliesberlin).⁠
⁠Tickets and time slot bookings are available at: https://uy-codess.com/
#evelynbencicova #sensuscommunis #vrart #arart #antiatlantis #berlinmastersfoundation #berlinmastersschliemannresidency #arndtcollection #berghain

Arriving in Basel for @artbasel and start with the “Parcours”, a curated selection of outdoor work spread across the city. Here TOMÁS SARACENO’S “Silent Autumn”.
Image caption: Tomás SARACENO
Silent Autumn (AB Aur b/M+M) 2022
Stainless steel frame, powder coated in black, colored and texturized stainless steel panels
126 x 110 1/4 x 130 inches; 320 x 280 x 330 cm
courtesy the artist, Tanya Bonakdar and neugerriemschneider #artbasel #artbaselparcours #publicart #tomássaraceno #tanyabonakdargallery #neugerriemschneider #matthiastraveldiary #artmarket #matthiasarndtrecommends

Congratulations dear BEN QUILTY: With “The Debate” at NINO MIER (until June 25) you took LA by storm. Such a blast and well deserved success for you and Nino Mier & his most dedicated Team! Save travels home - it was such fun and a privilege to explore LA and surroundings with you. #benquilty #ninomiergallery #sydneyinla #australianartist #thedebate #arndtartagency #matthiastraveldiary #artinlosangeles

ZANDILE TSHABALALA
My mothers garden: Umcimbi III (A gathering III), 2022
Acrylic on canvas
200 × 200 cm
Image courtesy the artist and Galerie Nagel Draxler

Congratulations to Simone Yvette Leigh on receiving the Golden Lion Leigh for her monumental sculpture „Brick House“ which greets visitors in the opening gallery of the central exhibition in the Arsenale at the Venice Biennale, where Leigh also represents the U.S. at the American Pavilion. Titled “Sovereignty,” her exhibition there has served as one of this year’s highlights: In a dramatic makeover of the neoclassical, Jeffersonian building, Leigh covered the structure with a thatched roof inspired by a traditional African rondavel, in keeping with her subversive meditations on the legacy of Western colonialism. Inside, meanwhile, a mix of ceramics, bronzes, and video pieces provide a powerful overview of Leigh’s investigations into how women of the African diaspora have been represented across art history.  - Matthias Arndt

CORNELIUS ANNOR
Memories We Share - Exhibition
on view at MARUANI MERCIER Gallery
April 2nd - May 4th, 2022

A blast and huge success for the world premiere of "BLAZE", Australian artist DEL KATHRYN BARTON‘s first feature film at the Tribeca Film Festival!!! Bravo, Bravissimo @delkathrynbarton @causeway_films @julia__savage and @simon_baker_

HEINZ MACK
Biblioteca Nationale Marciana
Venice Biennale, 2022

First (borrowed) snapshots of the 59th International Art Exhibition of the "Biennale Di Venezia". The first preview in 26 years I cannot attend, but I am excited to see the stunning show "The Milk of Dreams", curated by Cecilia Alemani, the National Pavilions and the Collateral Events in a few weeks from now.

GILBERT & GEORGE are back in London from their “TĀMAKI MAKAURAU Auckland Exhibition 2022” (on view at Auckland Art Gallery Auckland Toi o Tāmaki until 11 September). Thank you for coming out to New Zealand, dear Gilbert and George and congratulations to this huge success! Back at Fournier Street Gilbert & George are working on a stunning new series of pictures and towards the opening of the “Gilbert and George Center”, their Art Foundation, designed by SIRS Architects, opening later this year. Stay tuned! #gilbertandgeorge #gilbertandgeorgecentre #aucklandartgallery #gilbertandgeorgeauckland #tamakimakaurau #matthiastraveldiary #studiovisitwithmatthiasarndt #sirs

ADEGBOYEGA ADESINA
Portrait of an intruder, 2022
acrylic, charcoal, pastel on canvas
50.8 × 46 cm

So nice to see you again, in Paris, at your home base, the Centre Pompidou, dear Didier! I enjoyed our update and the outstanding collection presentations at the Pompidou! I look forward to seeing you and your Picasso Exhibition at the NGV in Melbourne, in June, back in Australia. #centrepompidou #didierottinger #contemporaryart #contemporarymasters #matthiastraveldiary #christo #warhol #anselmkiefer #louisebourgeois #artisaguaranteeofsanity #josephbeuys #kurtschwitters

We are so pleased to share a selection of installation images from our friends at Bode Projects (@bodeprojects) in Berlin of the agency's collaborative dual exhibition project "Where Within" by Filipino artists JC Jacinto (@jc_jacinto) & Zean Cabangis (@zeancabangis)!⁠
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Further highlights to follow

So nice to finally get to meet you, dear MURAT OENEN and thank you, dear Alex Duve and Murat for delivering this exquisit show of Murat’s mesmerising new work. Painting, meaning and “picture making” at its best. Thank you for having me for the private view, I am so happy I could see the work in flesh. MURAT OENEN “HAYSTACKS” is still on view, by appointment only, until 14.April. #muratoenen #haystacks #contemporarypainting #duveberlin #matthiasarndtrecommends #arndtcollection #germanpainting

VisIting the German sculptor and painter HEINZ MACK (b. 1931) at his busy studio in Mönchengladbach. As Co-Founder of the legendary ZERO Group (1958-1966), Mack wrote art history and since the early 1950‘s tirelessly creates: Paintings, sculptures, public art and site-specific installations, accompanied by exhibitions in museums and Galleries around the globe. He early experimented with kinetic-, light- and media-art and is one of the most important living German artists. Thank you for this wonderful and most inspiring collaboration over the past ten years, Lieber, Verehrter Heinz Mack! I am delighted to see you so well and active in your studios and look forward to our next major project ahead. Stay Tuned! #heinzmack #zerogroup #zerogruppe #deutscherkünstler #studiovisitwithmatthiasarndt #arndtartagency #matthiastraveldiary

#boursedecommerce #charlesray #pinaultcollection #adelabdessemed #caofei #standouglas #bertrandlavier #privateartcollection #artfoundation #tadaoando #tadaoandoarchitecture #matthiasarndtrecommends

Before leaving Athens, I could take a peek at the installation site of LOUISE BOURGEOIS bronze sculpture „Maman“. Greece’s major philanthropies „NEON“ and „Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center“ are collaborating for the first time to bring Bourgeois’ masterpiece to the Athens public (30.3. until 6.11.2022). Meanwhile at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, collaborating Gagosian, THEASTER GATES „Vessels“ are „sparring“ with Greek and Byzantine Artworks and Artefacts from three millennials (until April 30th.) #louisebourgeois #stavrosniarchosfoundation #louisebourgeoisspider #neonfoundation #neongreece #theastergates #gagosian #athensart #gagosiangallery #benakimuseum #greekart #athensart #greekphilanthropy #matthiastraveldiary #matthiasarndtrecommends

Thank you for making time in your busy schedule, très chère Sophie. Coming to your home and studio in Malakoff for almost three decades now and each visit is a privilege, each encounter a delight. Exciting exhibitions and projects ahead, dear SOPHIE CALLE. Looking forward to your new work and our next collaboration!

PIETER SCHOOLWERTH
Vas Differends (Rigged #8), 2021
Oil, acrylic, inkjet on canvas
182 x 218 x 3.5 cm

JITISH KALLAT
Circadian Rhyme-4, 2012-13⁠
Paint, resin, aluminum, steel, 24 figurines (each approx. 30 to 38 cm high), plinth dimension (91 cm x 38 cm x 457 cm)⁠
91 x 457 x 38 cm | 35.83 x 179.92 x 14.96 in⁠

JON KESSLER
The Trauma Factory, 2006
Mixed media installation
192 x 91,5 x 101,5 cm/ 75,59 x 36,02 x 39,96 in

#biennaledivenezia #ceciliaalemani #venicebiennale #celebratingart #matthiasarndtrecommends #matthiastraveldiary

I met ANDI FISCHER (b. 1987, German) in 2018, when we was a finalist in our foundations annual exhibition „BERLIN MASTERS“, him winning the „TOY Berlin Masters Award“. Since then I have been following his stunning career with pride and respect: Andi’s work is celebrated in gallery- and museums-shows, art fairs and widely collected in Europe, the US and Asia. Visiting Andi‘s new Berlin studio, seeing exquisit new work in the making, was a privilege and delight. Heartfelt congrats dear Andi! I love your new work, the bold direction you are taking in your paintings and new sculptural work. Happy for you and proud of this fantastic journey you have made. #andifischer #berlinartist #germanpainting #matthiasarndtrecommends #toyberlinmastersaward #berlinmastersfoundation

REBECCA BRODSKIS
Relation de réciprocité, 2021
Oil on canvas, framed 130 x 97 cm 

THE ΕΜΣΤ:
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens⁠
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Under the new leadership of Director Katerina Gregos, the museum will launch its new program starting June 2022. Athens is one of the most exciting cities in Europe and the Mediterranean and AAA is thrilled to see ΕΜΣΤ taking the lead in the area. Featured here is AAA's founder @m.arndt alongside the incumbent director.⁠ #ArndtArtAgency #AAA #A3⁠ #nationalmuseumofcontemporaryartathens #katerinagregos #athensart #greekart #contemporaryart #contemporaryartathens #matthiastraveldiary #matthiasarndtrecommends

"Meanwhile in Venice, where preparations for the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia are in full gear: Curator CECILIA ALEMANI released her impressive list, featuring 213 artists from 58 countries, most of them female artists. Under the title „THE MILK OF DREAMS“, the Biennale will take place from 23 April to 27 November 2022 (pre-opening on 20, 21 and 22 April). “As the first Italian woman to hold this position, I intend to give voice to artists to create unique projects that reflect their visions and our society”, Alemani has declared. This exhibition is grounded in many conversations with artists held in the last few years. The questions that kept emerging from these dialogues seem to capture this moment in history when the very survival of the species is threatened, but also to sum up many other inquiries that pervade the sciences, arts, and myths of our time. How is the definition of the human changing? What constitutes life, and what differentiates plant and animal, human and non-human? What are our responsibilities towards the planet, other people, and other life forms? And what would life look like without us? „The Milk of Dreams aspires to be an optimistic Exhibition, which celebrates art and it‘s capacity to create alternative cosmologies and new conditions of existence.“ states Cecilia Alemani. I cannot wait to see this Biennale! #biennaledivenezia #ceciliaalemani #venicebiennale #celebratingart #matthiasarndtrecommends #matthiastraveldiary

Fashion designer Kaylene Milner's most recent collaboration is with Yankunytjatjara artist KAYLENE WHISKEY, who's recognizable painting style adorns the latest knitwear line. Whiskey's work feature motifs such as her signature Wonder-kungka or Black Wonder Woman, David Bowie, Whoopi Goldberg and the Indulkana Tigers football team. Whiskey is renowned for her celebrations of kungka kunpu (strong women) via depictions of pop culture icons such as Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Cat Woman.⁠

LOOKING WEST: ANSELM REYLE AND JON YOUNG
Currently on view until February 16th
#morganpresents #morganaguiarlucander #jonyoungartworks #anselmreyle #newformatsintheartmarket #artmarket #artagency #matthiasarndtrecommends

JÖRG IMMENDORFF
Section de merde allemande, 1990,
Oil on Canvas
250x220cm
Installation at Museum Azman, Kuala Lumpur

Meanwhile in Australia, at BEN QUILTY’s studio in the Southern Highlands, NSW: Some outstanding new work in the making for exhibitions in Los Angeles and London. Stay tuned. #benquilty #matthiasarndtrecommends #arndtartagency #australianartist #australianart #artworkinprogress #studiovisitwithmatthiasarndt

PHUMELELE TSHABALALA
Let him Reign, 2021
Mixed media on panel
102 x 89 cm, 40 1/8 x 35 1/8 in 

ZHANG ZIPIAO
Battlefield 01,2021
Oil on canvas
86 5/8 x 47 1/4 inches (220 x 120 cm)

XIYAO WANG
Happy New Year no.1, 2021
Acrylic, oil stick on canvas
190x150cm

CATHRIN HOFFMANN
A Universal Condition, 2021
Oil on canvas
220 x 150 cm

HANDIWIRMAN SAPUTRA
Pedestal dan Garis Burung Mati (A Pedestal and Lines of a Dead Dird), 2013
Acrylic on canvas
3 Panel Triptych
Installation View

BEN QUILTY
Cronulla No.2, 2021
Oil on canvas
202 x 180 cm

In 2013, for the Indonesian Pavillon at the 55th Venice Biennale (the nation's first Pavillon to date) artist EKO NUGROHO created "Menghasut Badai-badai (Instigating Storms)“. This installation of a bamboo raft with Nugroho’s iconic figures depicted on it - following the curatorial theme of "Sakti“ (meaning "change“ or "regeneration“ in Hindu) - is referring to the ability of the country to survive amidst overwhelming social challenges, and the struggle to overcome an uncertain present. ⁠This work is currently on view at the National Gallery of Australia‘s international collection install. ⁠

PABLO PICASSO
Joueur de flûte (A. R. 126), 1951,
Ceramic plate, glazed, white stone ware

Currently up in the Berlin collection:
JON YOUNG
2 Deers, 2021
Iridescent fabric, wood, batting, and sand
93.98h x 99.06w x 20.32d cm

RODEL TAPAYA
Life Saver, 2021,
Acrylic on canvas
193 x 152 cm

The publication for Del Kathryn Barton's 2017 curatorial debut mad love is available for purchase now in our online store.

EMMA PREMPEH
Familiarity, 2021,
Oil Acrylic, imitation Gold leaf on canvas and curtain material, 190cm x 145cm