In 2024, Michael Werner Gallery inaugurated its latest space in Athens, marking a significant expansion of its prestigious international presence. Located in a beautiful classic Athenian apartment building at the intersection of Vasileos Georgiou and Rigillis streets, the gallery embraces a unique approach to exhibition spaces, integrating the architectural beauty of the residential neighborhood with its curated artistic programming. This space, which highlights both modern and classical elements of the city, is strategically placed near landmarks such as the Aristotle Lyceum and the National Garden, further enhancing the gallery’s connection to Athens’ cultural heritage. For Maximos Stergiou, the gallery’s director in Greece, the choice of location emphasizes accessibility while also underscoring the symbolic significance of the area. The gallery’s opening is a testament to Athens’ growing role as an important center in the global art scene, joining the ranks of cities such as New York and London, where Michael Werner Gallery has long been an influential force. Through this expansion, the gallery continues its commitment to showcasing exceptional contemporary art, creating a space where both established and emerging artists can engage in open dialogue.
Michael Werner Gallery is proud to present Thief, an exhibition featuring new works by German artist Raphaela Simon, marking her first solo show in Athens. Simon, known for her distinctive approach to painting and sculpture, presents a body of work that transcends conventional boundaries. The exhibition will be open to the public starting March 4, 2025, with a private view held on March 1, 2025, from 6 to 9 PM. Simon’s creative process is rooted in intuition and emotion, abandoning preconceived images and forms. Her works evolve organically, guided not by intention but by the interplay of form, content, and feeling. As Simon explains, “There is no pre-existing image in the beginning,” which allows her to create compositions that blur the line between the figurative and abstract. This dynamic tension between opposing elements is what drives the essence of her work. Having studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and the Academy of Fine Arts Munich, Simon has exhibited globally in renowned institutions such as the Oldenburger Kunstverein, Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, and Galerie Max Hetzler in Berlin and Paris. Her first exhibition in Athens promises to captivate audiences with its personal and intimate exploration of visual language. The Thief exhibition will be on view at Michael Werner Gallery Athens, where the artist’s profound exploration of space and emotion will take center stage, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience her work in one of the city’s newest cultural hubs.
