With the exhibition VERTICAL HORIZONS, we are presenting a powerful artistic statement about attitude, vulnerability and resistance at the beginning of 2026. Twenty-three artists are exhibiting paintings, photographs, works on paper and sculptures – works that confront the current social climate, in which polarisation, exclusion and extreme tendencies are on the rise.

Placing the horizon vertically means changing perspective – away from the comfortable view into the distance, towards an attitude that takes responsibility.

With VERTICAL HORIZONS, we are opening a space in which art takes a stand – quietly, poetically and uncompromisingly human. 23 artists address themes that shape our coexistence today: vulnerability, identity, empowerment, migration, queer bodies, memory, resistance. They show the beauty of fragility, the courage of the visible and the power of quiet defiance. This exhibition is not a loud protest. It is an appeal for empathy – and for the responsibility not to look away. We invite you to raise your gaze. To rethink the horizon. And to experience how art finds a language that touches, irritates and connects.

The exhibition brings together 23 exclusive original works, unique pieces and small limited editions, which, in their thematic and aesthetic coherence, offer a rare overview of relevant contemporary artistic positions. The participating artists

Sabine Beyerle, Anna Borowy, Andreas Bromba, Giampaolo di Cocco, Philip Crawford, Daniela Finke, Farzin Foroutan, Daniel & Geo Fuchs, Birgit Naomi Glatzel, Dale Grant, Deni Horvatić, Ivar Kaasik, Marco Kaufmann, Jörg Kujawa, Miguel Mas, Georg Meyer-Wiel, Jan Prengel, Omri Emile Rosengart, Richard Schemmerer, Violetta Elisa Seliger, Tanja Selzer, Mathias Vef, Leonie Vogel and Martin A. Völker

reflect on questions of identity, memory, migration and physicality – themes that are increasingly regarded as key concepts for a new generation of ‘empathic artists’ on the international art market. Many of the works on display are unique pieces or first editions from new series created exclusively for this exhibition.

VERTICAL HORIZONS is not an exhibition about politics, but about people. The works open up spaces for compassion, debate and hope.

Three thematic clusters structure the exhibition:

‘Ver-Letzt’ – on vulnerability, dignity and the power of acceptance

The focus here is on works that deal with fragility, pain, but also with the dignity of the vulnerable. The ‘wounded body’ can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically – for example, as a symbol of attacked identities or suppressed narratives.

‘Un-Orte’ / ‘Non-places’ – spaces of exclusion and encounter

Photographs and paintings depicting social topographies: places where power relations manifest themselves, for example in architecture, in urban space, in the gaze of others. Who is allowed to be here? Who remains invisible?

‘Trotz’ / ‘Defiance’ – resistance, beauty, hope

This section includes works that do not content themselves with the role of victim, but instead stage the power of perseverance. With quiet perseverance, with defiance, with humour. This section is also about empowerment, artistic self-empowerment and the right to complexity.

A special highlight of the vernissage is the performance ‘UmSichtbar’ (Visible) by Leonie Vogel, who uses an improvised fabric figure to make the interplay of protection, revelation and change of perspective a sensual experience.

Thursday, Jan 8, 2026, 6 pm
Opening reception
With a performance by Leonie Vogel.

Saturday, Jan 31 & Feb 14, 2026, each 4 pm
Guided Talks (de/en)
The guided talk is a combination of an artist talk and a guided tour of the exhibition. We will discuss the creation and background of the exhibition, and some of the participating artists will be present to talk about their work. We look forward to engaging in conversation with you!

Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, 5 – 7 pm
Finissage