Villa Merkel, Galerien der Stadt Esslingen am Neckar

The Villa Merkel regards the curatorial role as being similar to a two-way hinge. On the one hand, we develop, amplify and serve the public as mediators. On the other hand, we serve artists as competent partners (discoverers/supporters). One of our main objectives is to drive innovation by investing in artistic production. The Villa Merkel is committed to presenting, promoting and discussing innovative work by emerging international contemporary artists.

Art renders the world visible. It results from the development of individual positions; it is based on voluntary participation; it is essentially playful; and it entails and promotes open thinking. Art does not emerge in a context-free environment. It reflects current social and political circumstances as well as historical and art-historical conditions.

Artistic creativity and modes of artistic expression allow for productive detours; they are not primarily linear or application-oriented; they favour a productive crossover between genres and disciplines, creating opportunities to explore socially relevant questions from very distinct angles and perspectives.