The Berlin Biennale is widely considered to be one of the most engaged and experimental biennals and prides itself on showcasing artists who are not yet incorporated into the global art scene and art market. This makes the Berlin Biennial a hotspot for curators, collectors and museum professionals alike. In the months leading up to our trip, the list of participating artists of the Biennial will be announced. Besides our visit to the most interesting exhibitions of the Berlin Biennial, we we also visit several artists in their studios and get a glimpse into the home of a private collector. Drinks on Friday night and a group dinner on Saturday are included in this trip!

More information about the trip, accommodation, and costs can be found here.

One of the biggest scandals in the art world lies at the heart of Lukasz Twarkowski's performance ROHTKO. In 2004, a couple bought a painting by Mark Rothko for $8.3 million. Years later, it turns out to be not by Rothko himself, but by a Chinese maths teacher from Queens who also forged works by Jackson Pollock. Can a fake painting evoke real feelings? What is real art and what is it worth?

In just under four hours of steaming beats and two huge video screens, the creators of ROHTKO go in search of answers, assisted by philosopher Byung-Chul Han's book Shanzai: Deconstruction in Chinese on the value of real and fake. 'Shanzhai' refers to a unique blend of imitation, innovation, and affordable, locally adapted versions of popular products in Chinese culture. 

The performance is completely sold out, but a limited number of tickets are available at a reduced price (only €25!) for members of the Young Collectors Circle. Be quick and buy your ticket before May 30 via the link on our Community Platform.

Img. ROHTKO

We will start with a welcome by one of the students and then explore the graduation presentations together. Graduation exhibitions are thé place to spot young, emerging artists. This is the time when they show their work outside the context of the academy for the first time. For many gallery owners and collectors, it is therefore a regular occurrence to meet the next generation of up-and-coming artists every year.

Img. HKU Graduation Show 2022.

The newest generation of artists presents their graduation work there, which makes it a fantastic opportunity to discover new talents and network with other art enthusiasts. Graduation shows are the place to spot various layers of the art world who are all in search of the newest talents: from curators and directors to collectors, gallerists and other artists.

Photo: Graduation Show Rietveld Academy 2023, by Franzi Mueller Schmidt.

This year, we gather at Het Salon in Amsterdam, a creative hub where artists, musicians and designers come together, and where the physical space quite literally encourages connection and community. In this inspiring setting, we’ll enjoy a summery dinner with Balkan roots, prepared by the young catering duo A La Lila, cooking from family recipe books and shared memories.

Expect dishes like japrak (vine leaves stuffed with rice), homemade ajvar (a paprika and aubergine dip), mushroom ćevapčići (vegetarian sausages) and baklava, each served with a personal story. Organic wines by Daxivin will complement the meal. Throughout the evening, three artists will share their stories.

This dinner is all about storytelling and connection: something we’ve been nurturing at Young Collectors Circle for the past ten years. Please note that places are limited, so make sure to secure your spot in time!

Join this gallery tour, where you’ll explore the Amsterdam gallery scene together with other art enthusiasts. We’ll visit three galleries that are within walking distance of each other. During the tour, you’ll discover the works of emerging talent and established names, while also getting to know Amsterdam’s gallery owners better.