With Covid-19 closures putting the kibosh on an in-person Art Cologne, I spoke to gallerists around Germany to find out how they’re coping with the slowdown in the art market for Artsy.
Originally delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in April, Art Cologne has once again had to postpone its physical edition. Instead of meeting in person at Koelnmesse next week, art lovers will be treated to extensive online content including talks with art experts, short films about the winners of the fair’s prize, and a virtual edition of the fair (the latter hosted, in full disclosure, on Artsy). The virtual events will seek to bridge the gap left by the cancellation of the physical fair until collectors, curators, and gallerists can meet here again in April 2021.
“The art trade thrives strongly on personal encounters, not only the encounters between the interested party and the art on display but also between the interested party and the gallery owner,” said Daniel Hug, Art Cologne’s director.