Olivar Laric, 2009

Based in Berlin

With hundreds of exhibition spaces and over 6,000 professional artists, Berlin has grown into one of the most attractive destinations for artists and art lovers in the world. It is no surprise, then, that the city is funding a large-scale temporary exhibition to demonstrate the “treasures the city has to offer.” What’s debatable is whether this show is actually a move towards the kunsthalle locals have been demanding or merely an attempt to sweeten Berlin’s public image at the expense of its cultural producers. At this point, it remains to be seen. But the debate is fierce.

Opening on June 8th, based in Berlin will feature works by 80 artists living and working in the German capital, and is organized by a team of five up-and-coming curators overseen by curatorial hotshots Klaus Biesenbach (MoMA), Christine Macel (Centre Pompidou) and Hans Ulrich Obrist (Serpentine Gallery). Six weeks of talks, performances and workshops will accompany the controversial exhibition, which is set to take place in an empty studio building on the brink of demolition. Site specific architecture will be created for based in Berlin by the renowned local firm Raumlabor, including a modular structure consisting of containers, trucks, prefab houses and other elements.

– Jesi Khadiv

Eyeout

EYEOUT: Orientation and Order

Accurate, Insider, Up-to-date. Founded by curator Jan Winkelmann and art collector/software developer Ivo Wessel, EYEOUT offers an unparalleled view into some of Europe’s most dynamic art scenes. From museums to blue chips to out-of-the-way project spaces, EYEOUT will help you find what you’re looking for and even what you don’t know you’re looking for. Users can make to-do lists of must-see shows and, for those without an immediate destination in mind, the application’s locator function will show exhibition venues in their immediate vicinity. Brief introductory texts for each venue are written by professional arts writers to give an overview of each venue’s history, associated artists and particular areas of focus. Contact information and detailed exhibition information ensure that you will never miss a show that you are dying to see and the tell-a-friend function ensures that your buddies won’t either. EYEOUT was launched in Berlin in the spring of 2010 and has been growing steadily ever since. Shortly after its inaugural edition was released, EYEOUT set it sights on Zurich and also released special editions for popular events like Art Forum Berlin and Gallery Weekend. A recent edition for the city of Cologne launched at the Cologne ART.FAIR in mid-April.

– Jesi Khadivi