Under Gera: Höhler Biennale 2025 shows art in moist catacombs!

Under Gera: Höhler Biennale 2025 shows art in moist catacombs!

Gera, Deutschland - in Gera it goes smoothly again, and underground! The 12th Höhler Biennale has started and the former beer cellars of the city shine in new artistic shine. Under the exhibition topic "Entertainment", a total of 25 artists show their works in the fascinating rooms, which once served as air -raid shelter and look back on a story until the 17th century. Project manager Gitta Heil is proud that both established and young talents can present their art here. In many cases, this is the first opportunity for those involved to show themselves as part of a Biennale.

Klaus Staeck, the honorary president of the Berlin Academy and an institution in the art scene at an impressive 87 years, presents his posters, which, despite the high humidity in the Höhler, have no original status. An example of his work illustrates this: a globe with the note "The rental property must be treated gently and returned in good condition".
The Biennale will end on October 17th and take place every two years, a real highlight in the cultural calendar of the city.

art and crises

The event concept behind the Biennale also has a look at the current crises that shape our society. In this way, climate change, conflicts and social divisions are discussed. The work of Michael Ernst, the sculptures of the Noah's ark, and Cosima Göpfert with her porcelain rolls, which are interpreted as a "land of milk and honey", are particularly impressive. In addition, Yvonne Goulbier and Philipp Geist with light art set exciting accents - all of this in a context that is influenced by the high humidity in the cave, which is why special materials have to be used, such as glass, metal and ceramic. Overall, the 220 Höhler, which extend over a length of nine kilometers, show a unique connection of history and contemporary art.

The continuous work of the association to maintain the Geraer Höhler were rediscovered these historical rooms. "The challenges are numerous," says Heil, "Financing and promoting young talent are topics that constantly concern us." Nevertheless, there is hope for stubborn funding, even if it has no illusions.

a sign of peace

Another highlight of the Biennale is the peace post, which will now be permanently in the garden of the Schulenburg with the inscription "May Peace on Earth". This stake, which is about three meters high, is a sign of the collective desire for peace and integrates harmoniously into the thematic orientation of the Biennale. As the opening ceremony showed under enthusiastic art lovers, there is a lot of commitment and a lot of passion for art in Gera.

Soon the World Art Biennale in Venice will also be over. This forms a different framework, but the efforts for an artistic exchange and social topics can be remarkable in both events. Every two years it becomes clear in Venice and Gera that art is alive and has a voice. Whether in the air -raid shelter from Gera or in the giardini of the lagoon city - the following applies: art speaks and we should listen.