Pace Gallery is making a surprise expansion into Berlin with the appointment of Laura Attanasio as the gallery’s Senior Director, spearheading the establishment of a new private office in the German capital to explore the region’s untapped potential in Europe.
The announcement comes ahead of Art Basel next week, where former König Galerie partner Attanasio will work on Pace’s stand at the Swiss mega fair.
Germany and the German-speaking regions of Europe have become more attractive to global players in the art market in recent years. Sotheby’sfor example, re-established its presence in the country with the opening of an office in Cologne in 2021. Adding to the city’s appeal for Pace is the fact that half a dozen of the gallery’s artists are based in Berlin.
“It has become clear from our many artists living and working in Berlin that there is still so much untapped potential in Germany and German-speaking Europe,” Pace President Samanthe Rubell told Artnet News, adding that Attanasio will be key to the gallery’s ambition in the region. But it is understood that Pace, which already has spaces in Geneva and London, has no plans yet to set up a fully-fledged gallery in Berlin.
Institutional projects and new business opportunities are among the top priorities, according to the gallery’s statement.
Attanasio’s appointment also coincided with the challenges König faces after its founder, Johann König, was accused of sexual misconduct. The German dealer denied the allegations, but a number of artists on König’s list separate ways with the dealer after the case has been reported in Die Zeit in August of last year.
In November, Artnet News reported that artists such as Katharina Grosse, Corinne Wasmuht and Scandinavian duo Elmgreen & Dragset were no longer represented by König, but they declined to say whether their departures had anything to do with the scandal.
Prior to joining Pace, Attanasio became König’s first partner in 2022 and led the gallery’s sales team. According to Pace’s announcement, Attanasio worked closely with Grosse, Elmgreen & Dragset and Alicja Kwade, among other major artists during his time at König. Kwade’s name is still available on König’s website as of Monday. Elmgreen & Dragset is already on Pace’s list, while the gallery hosted Kwade’s solo debut in Seoul in December 2021.
Attanasio is thrilled with her new role with Pace. “We will expand Pace’s presence in Europe, forging strong relationships with artists, museums, curators and collectors and contributing to Berlin’s vibrant art scene,” she said in a statement, ” elevating the city’s cultural landscape to new heights”.
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