Alexander Koch, co-founder of the prominent Berlin gallery KOW, is stepping down from his role after 17 years of leading the internationally recognized art space alongside partner Nikolaus Oberhuber. Koch confirmed his departure on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for one of Berlin's most politically engaged contemporary art galleries.
In a statement explaining his decision, Koch indicated his desire to pursue new directions in his career within the art world. "Some roles that I have played in the art world so far no longer work in the same way, others I want to continue, some things I want to do differently and anew," Koch wrote in his announcement. The gallerist expressed his intention to focus more heavily on socially engaged cultural initiatives moving forward.
Koch plans to dedicate more of his time to the Initiative Neue Auftraggeber (New Patrons Initiative), an innovative program that develops art projects commissioned by citizens for public benefit. Additionally, he intends to continue his work as a curator and author, specifically focusing on culturally engaged projects that address social and political issues. These new endeavors align with the socially conscious approach that has characterized his work at KOW.
Gallery KOW, established 17 years ago by Koch and Oberhuber, has built a reputation for its predominantly political programming and commitment to contemporary art that engages with social issues. The gallery represents a roster of internationally acclaimed artists including Hiwa K., Peter Friedl, Franz Erhard Walther, Candice Breitz, and Santiago Sierra, all known for their socially and politically conscious artistic practices.
The gallery recently underwent a significant transition in 2024, relocating to new premises on Kurfürstenstraße in Berlin. This move represented a new chapter for the gallery, which has consistently maintained its focus on presenting challenging contemporary art that addresses current social and political concerns. The new space allows KOW to continue its mission of showcasing artists who engage critically with contemporary issues.
According to Koch's announcement, the gallery will continue its operations under the leadership of Nikolaus Oberhuber and the existing KOW team. This continuity ensures that the gallery's distinctive programming and commitment to politically engaged contemporary art will persist despite Koch's departure. The transition reflects the collaborative nature of the gallery's management and the strength of its established curatorial vision.
