Crossing town to Köln-Nippes, we discover the well-lit, double storied, glass fronted, high-ceiling Alex Serra gallery in what used to be a photography studio. “It actually was like this – I didn’t need to renovate much,” explains Paulo Nunes, founder and director. We happen to be arriving just as his latest show ‘With Each Other V’ was opening – with works ranging from minimalist paintings by Cologne artist Dorothee Joachim, her delicate colour palette of miniature droplets just about lifting off the wall, to deep black speer objects, black and white photography and a painting representing an African wedding in European attire.
“I originally trained as engineer, but started working in the art market already during university. My first gallery I opened in Portugal in 2001 and moving to Cologne 25 years on I opened ‘Alex Serra’ here in 2022.
“I generally work with both young and established artists from Portugal, Europe, Brazil and Africa. I try to each year invite one artist from university for a show as soon as they have completed their art degree. In this way we set the foundation for a longterm dialogue early on. Personally I enjoy sculpture, painting, drawing, but also installation – from abstract and minimalist to figurative and experimental. I am interested in cultural exchange and a world view from different angles – shedding the colonialist gaze and letting individuals present from their own position, story and history.”
Uscha Pohl
“Having participated in many art fairs in Portugal, Spain, Italy, with a big focus on Spain, Art Cologne Palma Mallorca is my first time with Art Cologne. The fair is particularly exciting as it connects my two home markets.“
Artists presented at Art Cologne Palma Mallorca: Adriana Molder, Fabio Colaco, Susanne S D Themlitz
Spuren, Entfaltet / Traces unfolded, 2021/22 Susanne S.D. Themlitz, oil, graphite, charcoal on acrylic paint and canvas 191.5 x 141cm. Portrait Paulo Nunes by Tomek Sierek.