Petersburg

On September 26, the Weserburg will bid farewell to its longtime curator and director Peter Friese, who will retire in October 2018 after more than 25 years as a collector’s museum. In his honor, artists have donated works for a personal farewell exhibition-a tribute that reflects the high esteem in which he is held in the art scene thanks to his passionate commitment to contemporary art.

Peter Friese’s spirit of discovery is to thank for the Young Collections series (since 2014). With the Artists’ Spaces, he developed a variable exhibition program to bring the diverse forms of expression of still little-known or already established artists into conversation with each other. The large collection exhibitions he initiated, such as most recently Proof of Life (2017), opened up new surprising perceptions of art. The sensual and meaningful exploration of contemporary art also informs his important thematic exhibitions. Minimal / Maximal (1998) caused a worldwide sensation and was even shown in Korea and Japan. His later exhibitions, such as After Images (2004) and Color in Flux (2011), also brought the museum widespread recognition.

Art, according to Peter Friese’s conviction, opens up thinking spaces. He has made these thinking spaces accessible to all visitors in an impressive way. We will remember his innovative museum work, his liveliness, his tireless insistence on quality (even against all resistance) – and not least his committed introductory speeches.

The Weserburg, but also the entire Bremen art landscape, owe him a great deal.