The German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier appointed Susanne Pfeffer as curator of the German Pavilion for the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017, the foreign ministry announced on Monday.

The 42-year-old art historian and director of the Fridericianum, Kassel will select the artist (or artists) and exhibition to represent Germany’s contribution to the international art festival.

According to a statement on the German Foreign Ministry’s website, the appointment is based on a recommendation from the Foreign Ministry’s Committee of Art and Exhibitions, which is comprised of directors of leading German art museums and art experts.

The German Pavilion in Venice, Italy.
Photo: Bas Princen via Uncube Magazine

In an email to artnet News, Pfeffer said “I feel honored and extremely happy. I am looking forward to an exciting and challenging time.”

Pfeffer studied art history at the Humboldt University in Berlin. She was artistic director at the Künstlerhaus Bremen from 2004-2006 and chief curator of the KW Insitute of Contemporary Art in Berlin from 2007-2012. Since 2013 Pfeffer has served as director of the Fridericianum Museum, Kassel.

Pfeffer curated the Swiss pavilion showing Pamela Rosenkranz at the 2015 Venice Biennale.
Photo: artnet

Pfeffer also curated the Swiss Pavillon at the 56th Venice Biennale, with a presentation featuring the artist Pamela Rosenkranz, which was well received by art critics and visitors alike. The success of the cooperation between Pfeffer and Swiss pavilion doubtlessly contributed to her native Germany appointing her to curate the national pavilion.

The international Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious art shows in the world. The German pavilion has previously shown artworks by the likes of Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter, and Isa Genzken. The art world, especially in Germany, will be curious to see which artist Pfeffer will select.

Germany’s contribution will be realized in cooperation with the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (IFA) in Stuttgart and will be supported by a substantial contribution from the German Foreign Ministry.