The 50th Artexpo, a newly rented studio, and my first public showing in front of an unfamiliar audience.
New York, Pier 36: Why I Rented My Own Studio for Artexpo
In April 2027, I’ll be exhibiting in New York. The HELLIGKEIT Gallery is bringing “MIND OF GOLF” to Artexpo New York, April 8–11 at Pier 36 in Manhattan. I’ll be at the booth myself.
I could have simply packed up the paintings I already have and taken them to Munich. “THE FINAL PUT” worked at ARTMUC, so why not do it again? I decided otherwise and rented a studio, just for this fair. Whatever I create there, I’ll be painting specifically for this exhibition.
That wasn’t necessarily the most sensible move. A new space means different lighting, different walls, a different path to the easel. My routines are thrown off for now. Anyone familiar with my essay on pre-shot rituals knows how much I value such routines. Now I’m working in a studio where nothing has a fixed place yet. It feels a bit like playing a golf course for the first time: you know how to swing, but not where the ball will roll.
Artexpo has been around for almost fifty years; in 2027, it will take place for the 50th time. Last April, over 170 galleries, publishers, and artists exhibited their work there, and visitors came from 24 countries. In Munich, a golf-themed artwork—somewhere between painting, sculpture, and photography—was already a bit of a test of courage. In New York, nobody knows me.
That’s basically the first tee shot in front of strangers—something I’ve written about before. You’re standing on the tee, with people you’ve never seen before waiting behind you, and at that very moment, your swing has to be just right. I painted that scene long ago. I never would have thought I’d experience it myself one day—with a paintbrush instead of a driver.
I’d like to thank Galerie HELLIGKEIT for taking this step with me. If you’re in New York in April, please stop by. To schedule a quiet conversation at the booth, please email me in advance at info@mindofgolf.com.
There are still a good five months until the fair. For a studio that’s just being set up, that’s not much time. For a golfer about to take his first swing, it’s an eternity.
