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. Her recent projects include 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 have long drawn inspiration from nature—its beauty, brutality, and mysticism. Today, however, their engagement extends beyond fascination: they approach nature not only as a resource but as a living entity, continuously altered by human actions. The focus is no longer just on utilization but on the responsibility to protect and interact with our environment in a sustainable way.
From concept to realization, artists explore the many layers of transformation. They experiment with materials that evolve over time or create works that challenge our perception. In the encounter between material and idea, their art pauses time, offering glimpses into a future that remains unknown—yet urging us to embark on new, more sustainable paths.
OUR TALES OF TRANSFORMATION GALLERIES
PAPER, a newly introduced section in the fair‘s Kaltstahlhalle, is dedicated exclusively to the medium of paper. Six selected galleries will showcase the artistic diversity of this both traditional and contemporary medium. More than just a material, paper functions as a conceptual medium of expression. The approaches range from sculptural interventions and photographic deconstructions to feminist conceptual works.
OUR PAPER GALLERIES:
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
This focus 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.
LOVE IS THE ANSWER
From romantic partnerships and family bonds to self-chosen communities, from functional love substitutes to idealized fantasies—this focus explores the complex spectrum of love. The selected works capture both euphoric moments of happiness and the pain of heartbreak, reflecting how artists perceive, process, and express this universal experience. They also highlight the many forms of love in today’s world, including its social and political dimensions.
Following the great success of the 2023 and 2024 sculpture program, Art Düsseldorf is once again showing a wide range of sculptures and installations this year. The total of 18 positions range from up-and-coming talents to established artists, but are significantly younger, more female and more diverse than ever before. This development also reflects the steadily growing audience.
Curator and cultural journalist Julia Meyer-Brehm is curating the sculpture spaces at Art Düsseldorf 2025. This year, large-scale sculptures will once again enrich the two exhibition halls. Julia Meyer-Brehm has been writing for numerous print and online magazines (including Monopol, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, radio3, gallerytalk.net) as well as exhibition and catalog texts since 2018, conceives talks and events and has been working at the Berlin Kunstgewerbemuseum since 2024.
The MAIN Section forms the backbone of Art Düsseldorf. Here, renowned as well as up-and-coming galleries present modern and contemporary art from 1945 onwards on spacious booth areas of between 40 and 150 square meters. The section stands for high curatorial quality and shows a broad spectrum of artistic positions – from established names to exciting new discoveries.
Some highlights this year are:
Katharina Fritsch (Ludorff)
Bettina Pousttchi (Buchmann Galerie)
Tamina Amadyar (Meyer Riegger)
Marianna Simnett (Société)
Magdalena Frauenberg (Sies + Höke)
Leunora Salihu (Thomas Schulte Galerie)
Marina Abramovic (Krinzinger)
NEXT highlights galleries that have been operating for at least one year but no longer than ten. This section offers a glimpse into emerging artistic voices and new creative movements shaping the future of the art market.
The JOINT section enables galleries to present their work together at shared booths. This collaborative exhibition form creates surprising connections and strengthens the exchange within the art scene.
Galleries showcasing their artworks together this year are:
Galerie Kandlhofer & Gathering
Galerie Karin Günther & Haverkampf Leistenschneider
PACE & Mennour
Jo van de Loo & Office Impart
Lucas Hirsch & Drei
