Art Düsseldorf 2025: a global platform for contemporary art
Art Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s most anticipated contemporary art fairs, returns from April 11–13, 2025, at Areal Böhler. This event will feature a carefully curated selection of galleries showcasing influential contemporary art trends, from painting and sculpture to new media and performance art. Known for its diverse range of artistic practices, the fair continues to grow in prominence, attracting international galleries, artists, and collectors. The 2025 edition promises to push boundaries and set new standards, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists to foster cross-cultural dialogues and collaborations. With interactive and experimental presentations, Art Düsseldorf will provide dynamic and engaging experiences for all attendees.
Dan Bert - "Magic Man" (2019).
What to expect from the 2025 edition
With a lineup of international galleries, visitors can expect a dynamic exhibition that blends the familiar with the innovative. Art Düsseldorf 2025 is set to explore a variety of themes, from social issues to technological advancements in art. The fair will offer an opportunity to witness the cutting edge of the art scene, with many galleries showcasing works that challenge traditional concepts of art and offer fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.
Art Düsseldorf 2025 will also shine a spotlight on Japan with its Fokus Japan segment. Curated by Yoko Nose, this section will feature contemporary Japanese artists, showcasing a range of works from established figures to emerging talents. The focus on Japan celebrates the rich cultural exchange between Düsseldorf and its large Japanese community, offering a fascinating insight into the contemporary art scene in Japan.
The power of paper
One of the standout features of Art Düsseldorf 2025 is the debut of the PAPER section. This new addition will focus exclusively on the medium of paper, with six selected galleries showcasing its versatility. From sculptural works to conceptual art, this section will highlight the diverse ways in which artists use paper to express ideas, emotions, and messages. Visitors can expect a range of thought-provoking pieces that challenge traditional notions of the material and its potential.
Mosch - "one_23" (2023).
Solo and Projects: exploring new themes
The Solo and Projects section offers a platform for galleries to present distinctive solo exhibitions and special projects. With 16 participating galleries, this section has reached its highest participation to date. Two thematic focuses structure the presentations:
"Liminal State" explores artistic positions that examine states of transition and transformation. In this liminal space, where nothing is certain but everything is possible, crisis and hope intersect, and past, present, and future merge. The featured artists address social upheavals—from the rapid development of artificial intelligence to urgent environmental issues. The works presented here invite reflection on the fluidity of time and the unpredictability of change.
“Love is the Answer” explores the complex spectrum of love, ranging from romantic partnerships and family bonds to self-chosen communities, functional love substitutes, and idealized fantasies. This focus delves into both euphoric moments of happiness and the pain of heartbreak, reflecting how artists perceive, process, and express this universal experience. The works also highlight the many forms of love in today’s world, including its social and political dimensions, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of human connection.
Iren Krum - "The Gray Angel" (2018).
Tales of transformation: art with a message
Artistic positions in this section investigate sustainability, climate change, and the relationship between humans and natural resources. Curated by Linda Peitz, these works encourage shifts in perspective and critical reflection on a climate-neutral future. Linda Peitz is a freelance curator and collection consultant based in Berlin, with recent projects including Too Much Future. Donation Collection Peters-Messer at Kunstpalast Düsseldorf, Status Report at Kunstraum Potsdam, and And I Trust You at the Miettinen Collection in Berlin.
In a world shaped by climate change and the depletion of resources, artists respond to these far-reaching transformations and the human impact on them through aesthetic expression. Their works are not just reflections but dynamic narratives—unfolding with every encounter and inviting us to experience hope, pleasure, and the search for new paths in new ways. Artists approach nature as not only a resource but as a living entity, continuously altered by human actions. Their works push the responsibility to protect and interact with our environment in a sustainable way.
Gabriel Koch - "PRL 2" (2018).
Sculpture Spots: art in the space
Curated by Julia Meyer-Brehm, the SCULPTURE SPOTS will feature large-scale sculptures placed throughout the exhibition halls. These sculptures will interact with the industrial architecture of Areal Böhler, creating a dynamic dialogue between the art and the space. The section promises to be a visual highlight, bringing monumental works of art into conversation with the unique environment of the fair.
JOINT section
The JOINT section allows galleries to share booths, fostering unexpected dialogues and collaborations. This cooperative format strengthens connections within the art world and sparks fresh perspectives. Visitors can expect new, dynamic interactions between artists and galleries, as collaborative efforts come together to offer innovative experiences.
The role of Art Düsseldorf in the global art market
As a major hub in the European art scene, Art Düsseldorf plays an essential role in connecting artists and collectors from around the world. Its strategic location in Düsseldorf, a city known for its strong ties to the contemporary art market, makes the fair an important meeting point for the global art community.
In 2025, Art Düsseldorf will further cement its status as a key event in the international art calendar. With its diverse range of works, commitment to innovation, and celebration of contemporary artistic practices, the fair will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of art in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, Art Düsseldorf 2025 promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of contemporary art.
Selena Mattei