ARTe Art Fair Dortmund – A Creative Stroll

This year has been intense so far – and I’m not complaining! It’s actually been my best year yet. A big project kept me on my toes for several months, and there was plenty to keep me busy otherwise. Suddenly, it’s autumn, and the year is winding down. But I haven’t managed to make time for exhibitions or museum visits yet.

During the darker days of the pandemic lockdowns, I realized just how important it is for me to immerse myself in art now and then. Thankfully, those times are behind us, and those opportunities are open to us once again.

One simply had to make the time for it – or in this case, I did! I just needed to choose from the many options available. So, it was perfect timing that the ARTe art fair was being held in Dortmund for the very first time this year, practically around the corner from me. Feeling curious and eager for new impressions, I set off. I’d never been to a larger art fair before, so I had no idea what to expect – it’s definitely a different experience than visiting a museum.

*Title Image: Wooden Sculptures by Dirk Richter

Dortmund Showcases Art

Since 2016, the ARTe has been the first independent fair for contemporary art in the Stuttgart region. It’s become so popular that it now also takes place in Konstanz, Osnabrück, Wiesbaden, Burg Stettenfels, and, for the very first time this year, in Dortmund.

From the very beginning, ARTe has been a place where art and people come together. It’s an open format, a platform that showcases the incredible diversity of visual art, and a meeting point for those who love art, those who are curious, and those who simply want to see what there is to discover.

That sounded promising! So, on Sunday, the final day of the fair, I headed out with my youngest. We decided to turn it into a mother-son day, and we were both excited. On 1,800 square metres, around 80 exhibitors awaited us. Some galleries were represented, but most of the artists were exhibiting their work themselves.

A First Step into Creative Diversity

We arrived early and even had to wait a few minutes for the doors to open. Most people were probably still enjoying their Sunday breakfast. But that didn’t bother us—having the hall almost to ourselves was a treat. The air was fresh, the atmosphere relaxed. The perfect way to enjoy art!

As soon as we stepped inside, we were captivated by the variety. Bold and vibrant colours stood alongside soft and subtle tones; figurative art, abstract works, semi-abstract pieces, paintings, sculptures, contemporary and postmodern creations. We wandered through the aisles, drawn again and again to different artworks. We stopped often, took it all in, and chatted with several artists along the way.

My 3 Highlights

Even though our tastes in art are quite different, we both found works and artists that truly inspired us. While I’m drawn to textures, forms, and expressive strokes, my son is fascinated by clean lines and modern aesthetics. It was so much fun strolling through the aisles together, stopping to admire pieces, sharing our thoughts, and sometimes having completely different takes on what we saw. But there were also those works where we both agreed: “This is something special!”

Helga Hoicke

One of our shared highlights was discovering the work of Helga Hoicke. Her colourful and expressive creations, made from Kinder Surprise figurines and old Lego bricks, immediately caught both of our eyes.

What I particularly love is the sustainability behind her work. When her children grew up, she was left with piles of Kinder Surprise toys that she didn’t want to throw away. So, she turned them into art. And I have to say, the result is truly impressive.

It was a joy to chat with her and learn more about her process. You can really feel how much she enjoys breathing new life into things that others might have written off. In addition to these upcycling projects, she also paints—experimenting with materials like marble dust or plaster.

Betty Schmidt

Betty Schmidt’s works are another highlight for me. Her photographs, which at first glance look like paintings, immediately resonate with me—it’s fascinating to see how the boundaries between photography and painting blur. Her images feel calm and introspective at first, yet the soft blur adds a certain dynamism, as if you’re part of a fleeting moment that’s just within reach.

Betty Schmidt uses a technique known as “gestural photography” or “intentional camera movement.” She deliberately moves the camera during exposure to create effects reminiscent of brushstrokes. This method allows her to “paint” with the camera, creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that can never be reproduced.

Torsten Wolber

I absolutely have to mention Torsten Wolber. His paintings immediately captivated me—his style is almost classical, reminiscent of the Renaissance or Baroque periods, yet it suddenly breaks apart, almost exploding. This blend of precision and dynamism makes his work incredibly exciting and gives it a unique depth and energy.

He works with the alla prima technique, where the painting is created "wet-on-wet" in a single session. Usually completed within a day or one sitting—something I find particularly impressive.

So Much More!

There was, of course, so much more to discover at the ARTe - countless impressive artworks and fascinating artists that I simply can’t mention all here. Established artists, emerging talents, bold experiments, and classical approaches - there was something for everyone. If an ARTe art fair comes to your area, or you have the chance to visit one, I can only recommend it!

My son and I had a truly wonderful day and left filled with art and inspiration. One thing is certain: we won’t let so much time pass again before diving back into the world of art.