Berlin and Singapore-based gallery ARNDT celebrates its 20th anniversary currently with a group show at Helutrans Artspace Singapore. The show is entitled “20 + 2 Years”—named for their 20 years in Berlin and two in Singapore—and presents 50 works by 39 artists from Central and Southeast Asia, USA, Germany, Europe, Russia, and Australia.

Founded in 1994 in Berlin, ARNDT was one of the German capital’s first galleries to take an international outlook (see Gallery Q & A with Matthias Arndt). With the opening of the Singapore space in January 2013, the gallery expanded its program towards Asia.

ARNDT has been fundamental in increasing the presence of Asian artists in Europe, showcasing Chinese, Indonesian, and Southeast Asian contemporary art in Berlin as well as in pop-up shows in London, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Seoul, and Manila.

All the while, the gallery has continued to represent contemporary art stalwarts such as Sophie Calle, Gilbert and George, Vik Muniz, Jitish Kallat, and Zero group artist Heinz Mack.

In a statement to artnet News, founder Matthias Arndt said, “I have maintained this passion [for art] for more than 20 years, from the difficult early stages through many confrontations in the market […] I’m also a bit proud to have played a role in the ‘Berlin Miracle’ and to have made it possible for many artists to enter the market.” He added, “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would one day achieve so much success or have such a global presence.”

Installation shot from the exhibition at ARNDT Singapore.
Photo: ARNDT.