International Fair for Contemporary Art. For this thirteenth edition, over 120 galleries from more than 25 countries showcase the works of established artists and newcomers in Berlin under ideal exhibiting conditions. The spacious, historically protected exhibition halls 18-20 offer galleries selected by an international jury an opportunity to present a high-impact show. The event features works of art ranging from paintings, sculptures and installations, to video and photography, works on paper, editions and multimedia. Collectors, trade visitors and art lovers from around the world will find an overview of the latest trends in Berlin. Twice each day, the Art Forum Berlin Talks offer visitors an opportunity to take part in discussions with distinguished international guest speakers focusing on the current issues relating to contemporary art and cultural policies.
The thirteenth ART FORUM BERLIN - The International Fair for Contemporary Art - will take place at the Berlin Exhibi-tion Grounds from 31 October to 03 November 2008. Organized by Messe Berlin GmbH in cooperation with its international Galler-ies’ Advisory Board, ART FORUM BERLIN has established itself as one of the most innovative world-class showcase for contemporary art.
Early in the autumn season, over 120 galleries from more than 25 countries showcase the works of established artists and newcomers in Berlin under ideal exhibiting conditions. The spacious, historically protected exhibition halls 18-20 offer galleries selected by an international jury an opportunity to present a high-impact show. In its compact, precise overall presentation, ART FORUM BERLIN is a unique place for information and interaction – an ideal venue for selling and positioning contemporary art.
The event features works of art ranging from paintings, sculptures and installations, to video and photography, works on paper, editions and multimedia. Collectors, trade visitors and art lovers from around the world will find an overview of the latest trends in Berlin. In 2006, ART FORUM BERLIN attracted 44,000 art enthusiasts, more than 1,800 journalists, renowned collectors, museum directors and curators from Germany and other countries.
For the past five years, ART FORUM BERLIN has featured a special curated exhibition. This year, Hans-Jürgen Hafner will focus on the meaning and assessment of artworks in the conflict between the art market and exhibitions with his show "Difference, what difference?" The objects on display will be selected from the works submitted by the applicants.
Along with its stringent program concept, ART FORUM BERLIN offers exhibitors and visitors perfect conditions for experiencing contemporary art. The spacious exhibition halls with 15m ceilings and natural lighting along with the Palais am Funkturm built in the 1950s provide an ideal setting for the experimental display stands and lounge designs typically found at ART FORUM BERLIN. Rest areas, cafés, restaurants, a library and talk lounge, a forum for discussions, performances and receptions create a highly-concentrated and relaxed atmosphere that lends itself to the pure enjoyment of art.
Twice each day, the ART FORUM BERLIN TALKS offer visitors an opportunity to take part in discussions with distinguished international guest speakers focusing on the current issues relating to contemporary art and cultural policies.
Each year during ART FORUM BERLIN, Berlin's exhibition halls present an excellent, diversified program. Joint projects with the city's theatres and galleries enhance the spectrum of artistic productions and transform Berlin into a unique art Mecca.
Special exhibition
“Difference, what difference?” is the title of ART FORUM BERLIN's special exhibition this year. The group exhibition addresses the general question of the value and significance of art. For this reason, the showing reflects upon its special function as a mediating situation on the front between the market and discourse. Curator Hans-Jürgen Hafner poses the crucial questions: What is the function of a curated thematic show within an art fair framework? Is it possible that a work of art is not just seen as a commodity in such circumstances? “Difference, what difference?” as an exhibition format imitates the conventions of the art fair. Not just because its concept reflects on the structure ‚art fair’, but also the means and form of display of the art works are derived from the usual conditions of an art fair.
Experience Berlin, the capital of contemporary art in Europe!
We look forward to seeing you!
Press Contact:
Susanne Tschenisch - Press Officer
Telephone: +49 (0)30 / 3038-2295
Facsimile: +49 (0)30 / 3038-2296
tschenisch@messe-berlin.de
Opening October 30, 2008, 5-9 p.m.
Press Conference October 30, 2008, 10:30 a.m.
Professional Preview October 30, 2008, 2-5 p.m.
Exhibition Grounds Messe Berlin,
in the Halls 18-20, Hall 11.2 Special Exhibition House Trip,
Palais am Funkturm, Entrance Hall 19 (Hammarskjöldplatz-Masurenallee)
Hours: October 31 - November 03, 2008, 12 noon - 8 p.m.
Admission:
Full-day Ticket EUR 15,00
2—days Ticket EUR 27,00
Reduced Ticket (students) EUR 10,00
Groups/per person (more than 10 persons) EUR 10,00
Evening Ticket (after 5 p.m.) EUR 10,00
Opening (for 2 persons) EUR 60,00