Step into the world of Galerie EIGEN + ART. This isn’t just any gallery. It’s a living testament to art’s enduring power. Galerie EIGEN + ART in Leipzig stands as a beacon of contemporary art. Founded in 1983 by Gerd Harry Lybke it started as an illegal meeting place. Exhibitions happenings and performances thrived within its walls. Even during the restrictive years of the former East Germany.
Imagine a time when artistic expression was suppressed. Yet Galerie EIGEN + ART flourished. Lybke’s vision was bold. He nurtured artists from the very beginning. Many represented then are still represented now. The gallery quickly gained recognition for its ambitious program. Artists like Neo Rauch and Carsten Nicolai were early participants. Their works helped shape the gallery’s identity.
In 1985 the gallery moved to larger premises. Workshop and exhibition spaces were united under one roof. This expansion reflected the growing success of Galerie EIGEN + ART. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990 Lybke took the gallery international. Temporary galleries opened in Tokyo Paris Berlin New York and London. The gallery also participated in major art fairs worldwide. It became a significant player on the global art scene.
The Leipzig gallery relocated in 2005. Its new home is within the former cotton spinning mill in Plagwitz. The spacious exhibition rooms now host large-scale conceptual exhibitions. The gallery’s impact extended beyond its physical spaces. In 2012 Galerie EIGEN + ART established the EIGEN + ART LAB. A space supporting a new generation of artists. This commitment to nurturing young talent is a cornerstone of Galerie EIGEN + ART’s philosophy. Its global reach is evident in pop-up galleries and art fairs in cities like Shanghai Hong Kong and Cape Town.
Furthermore Galerie EIGEN + ART has expanded into the digital realm. The EIGEN + ART Plus platform launched in 2021. It showcases videos interviews and publications to share the gallery’s works internationally. It is a testament to its innovative approach. The gallery’s legacy includes involvement in prestigious events like the Venice Biennale. Artists represented by Galerie EIGEN + ART have showcased their work in various international exhibitions.
Galerie EIGEN + ART is more than a gallery. It’s a dynamic institution. It has a powerful history and a bright future. It is a living example of the power of art to overcome obstacles and transcend borders. It’s a journey continuing to unfold. Its influence continues to resonate across the world of contemporary art. Its story is far from over.