"Painted Vibes" Brings Lively Art to robotron Kantine in Dresden's Heart
Colorful artwork displayed in Robotron's cafeteria by "Ostrale"
Bold and lively, the Ostrale Biennale ("O25") makes its grand return to the robotron Kantine in Dresden for its third round in the city center.
Written by Heiko Nemitz
Dresden - Bold and lively, the Ostrale Biennale ("O25") makes its grand return to the robotron Kantine in Dresden for its third round in the city center.
This 15th international contemporary art exposition is themed "Never Grey" this year, encouraging an open-minded perception of the vibrant diversity in our world.
The theme references a quote by philosopher Jürgen Wilbert (79): "Those who think in black and white fear the shades of grey."
Accordingly, the organizers - Ostrale director Andrea Hilger, Veronika Kruelle Kotoucova, and Drorit Gur Arie - have focused on the use of color to address current societal questions such as conflict, identity, consumption, and our relationship with nature.
Ostrale veteran Frank Weiland: The all-around artist with an eidetic memory
Andrea Hilger talks about color as a "colorful thread": "We must allow change, perceive it better, understand the shades of grey, preserve time for each other and everything that lives, keep it, and give it."
The idea of color as a substance, symbol, and conversation is central, representing identity, cultural, and political spaces.
Ostrale Biennale showcases around 300 pieces by 106 artists
For co-curator Drorit Gur Arie, the exhibition's theme is a symbol of hope: "The color theme is also a communication icon." Combining two colors produces a third, "and perhaps also a new perspective." This describes a deep desire: we must communicate.
Starting June 7, approximately 300 pieces by 106 artists from 32 nations will fill the robotron Kantine until October 5. New this year is a "sculptural hanging" that breaks the spatial structure of traditional exhibitions. The content is accompanied by poems by US poet Mary Oliver, whose books can be purchased on site.
As always, visitors can expect a diverse range of aesthetically striking and sometimes controversial works: oil paintings, thumping video installations, delicate drawings, large-scale digital prints on tarpaulins, photographic works, sculptures and objects, glass mosaics, typewriter drawings ... it's worth seeing it all yourself!
Exhibition by Viktoria Graf on her 40th birthday at Galerie Kunst & Eros
The exhibition runs until October 5, from Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm - a reduction in operating hours due to the costly staff requirements and tight financial situation. However, the admission prices remain the same: €15, reduced €10 (discounted prices for family and group tickets are available on the ostrale.de website).
Title image: Steffen Füssel
For more info on Dresden Culture & People:
- Exhibition by Viktoria Graf on her 40th birthday at Galerie Kunst & Eros
- Volksoper begins new season soon
- Big show in Neustadt: 41 years of "Carte Blanche"
Enrichment Data:
Overview:
Here is a summary of the OSTRALE Biennale details for the requested year, based on the most recent and available information in the provided results. If a specific year is not specified, the information below pertains to the most recent edition, which would be OSTRALE Biennale 2025 unless otherwise noted.
OSTRALE Biennale: General Overview
The OSTRALE Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition produced by the OSTRALE – Centre for Contemporary Art. It is based in Dresden, Germany, typically at the robotron-Kantine and other locations.
OSTRALE Biennale 2025 Details
- Theme:
- NEVER GREY
- "NEVER GREY as the dissolution of shadows, of fog, of darkness, the lostness towards the perception and opening up of the colourful diversity that surrounds us. Colour, used as a catalyst, activates and intensifies perception in order to open up the diverse possibilities of observation and the colourful discourses and themes within the exhibition."
- The curatorial focus is on color as a material, symbol, dialogue, and in the context of movement, poetry, spirituality, and science.
- Dates:
- 7th June – 5th October 2025
- Location:
- robotron-Kantine, Dresden (Germany), and other venues
- Participating Artists (2025):
- Psychedelic Choir (Gosia Gajdemska, Ana Kavalis, Pauline Payen, Karoline Strys, Lyllie Rouvière, Zorka Wollny)
- Qinlin Yang
- Lee Yanor > Note: This is the 2025 list, not 2021.
- Exhibition Concept:
- Explores current social issues through the lens of color and its multifaceted meanings.
OSTRALE Biennale 2021: Lack of Direct Information
No direct information is available in the provided sources about the theme, participating artists, or specific exhibition details for the OSTRALE Biennale 2021. The official OSTRALE website highlights only the 2025 edition in the available English-language section.
Additional Note
If you seek specific details about OSTRALE Biennale 2021, you would need to consult the OSTRALE archive or press releases from that year, as none are provided in the current results. The 2025 edition serves as an example of the Biennale’s typical structure and thematic approach.
In the vibrant heart of Dresden, the home-and-garden setting of the robotron Kantine transforms into an art gallery for the 'Painted Vibes' exhibit, showcasing over 300 pieces by 106 artists, as part of the Ostrale Biennale ("O25"). This year's theme, "Never Grey," encourages a colorful and open-minded perception of the diversity in our world.
