5 min read
23.01.2025

Galerie Rieck - The art of the north

Galerie mit weißen Wänden und Bildern an der Wand, eine Trennwand in der Mitte ermöglicht weitere Bilder aufzuhängen

Galerie Rieck, an established name for selected Scandinavian and North German art for over 30 years, is opening a new location in Eckernförde. From February 2025, the gallery is presenting a broad spectrum of works from the last 100 years - from classical modernism to contemporary art. With changing themed exhibitions and a carefully curated selection of renowned artists, the gallery invites art lovers to experience the fascination of Nordic art in a new setting.

In an exclusive interview with the owners, we also found out more about the vision behind the reopening, the artists and works on display and future plans. Look forward to exciting insights into the world of Galerie Rieck!

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Dear Gordon, congratulations on the reopening and we are delighted to be able to find out more about your gallery and the new location today. Can you tell us something about the history of Galerie Rieck and how you came to the decision to reopen in February 2025?

Gordon: We have been specializing in Scandinavian art as an art dealer and gallery since the early 1990s. After initially focusing exclusively on classical painting up to 1930 and the “Skagen artists' colony”, the spectrum has steadily expanded over the years. Since the beginning of the 2010s, we have added modern and contemporary art and also included special North German artists. Last year, we had the unique opportunity to take over the CARLS ART 78 gallery in Eckernförde and continue to run the cultural venue. From February 2025, we will be showing the art of the North from the last 100 years - from classical modernism to contemporary art.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: What is your vision for the gallery after the reopening? Is there a specific concept or orientation

Gordon: We will not continue the previous focus on purely North German art and changing exhibitions of 1-3 artists. Instead, there will be selected works by renowned Scandinavian and special North German artists on display all year round - always with new works and new acquisitions. In addition, there are around 5-6 themed exhibitions, which also focus on individual artists, works and eras and shed light on them in the context of other artists and works.

Diese 3 Glas Skulpturen werden in der Galerie Rieck ausgestellt und sehen aus wie geschmolzene silberne Drahtseile.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Can you give us an insight into the artists or works of art that will be presented at the opening exhibition?

Gordon: The focus is on the gallery's artists - from paintings and sculptures to glass and paper objects and material assemblages. What is special is that almost all of the artists are showing current works here - some of them are being shown for the first time ever. For example, works by Prof. Elke Hergert, Peter Skovgaard, Maria Bang Espersen and Menno Fahl will be on display for the first time. These will be complemented by selected works of Danish classical modernism from 1920 to 1960 - including Bornholm paintings by Olaf Rude and abstract views by Kehnet Nielsen.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Are there any planned events, workshops or special programs that visitors can expect after the opening?

Gordon: We don't offer workshops or guided tours. We are simply there for anyone who is interested in Scandinavian and Nordic art and wants to get to know and enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere. With explanations or just for fun. THE event will be the opening of the gallery on February 2nd. February will certainly bring many more visitors to us who want to have a look at the new gallery and the works on display. And we are curious to see who we will get to know or see again in the near future. After that, the upcoming themed exhibitions, including the openings, will certainly provide a special occasion again and again.

Diese einzelne Skulptur mit organischen Formen sieht aus wie ein geschmolzenes Drahtseil, was ein Unendlichzeichen formt.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: How would you describe the atmosphere in the gallery? What makes it special?

Gordon: The gallery is in a historic building from the 1930s. The rooms are in an old depot of the former barracks. The floor is still original and you can see the traces of time. That's very charming and special. Apart from that, we have a ceiling height of almost 4 meters - the artists' works really have space here and can shine. In our “Kabinett” - a smaller room in a muted color - we then show the works of classical modernism. This creates different impressions within the gallery and the new walls provide new visual axes and perspectives.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: What kind of art is typically presented in the gallery? Are there certain styles or media that you focus on?

Gordon: The focus and orientation of the RIECK Gallery is the art of the North - especially Denmark. And at Carlshöhe in Eckernförde, we only show the last 100 years - from classical modernism to contemporary art. This is specifically supplemented by works by North German artists. Most of the items are paintings, but we also love sculptures and objects made from a wide variety of materials - from wood, glass and paper to assemblages of everyday objects. One thing is always important to us: the quality, uniqueness and reputation of the artists. And: it always has to have something special. But that is certainly also very individual...

In der Galerie Rieck hängen Bilder mit schmalen Holzrahmen auf einer hellgrauen Wand. Auf einem Podest stehen zwei Skulpturen.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: What role does Eckernförde play as a location for the gallery? How does the town influence your work?

Gordon: We are originally from Hamburg, but have lived in Schleswig-Holstein for almost 30 years. For decades, we were on the road at art fairs or in pop-up concepts. Eckernförde is now an opportunity for us to develop a permanent home for art. And the town is big and small enough for us to really arrive here and still have opportunities. So we would like to be there for the town and the region, but also offer something interesting for customers and interested parties from all over northern Germany - both before and after a visit to our gallery. And we think Eckernförde offers just that.

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: How do you see the gallery developing over the next few years? Are there any plans for new projects?

Gordon: That's simple: we want to be well received here and then permanently be a good art venue in the north and in the region that invites people to visit it again and again. Since the RIECK Gallery has been around for 35 years, it's an exciting new chapter, but we're also relaxed. If we manage to get people interested in Nordic art, inspire passionate art lovers and continue to have many satisfied customers, then that will be more than enough. And perhaps also the plan for the future. Beyond that, perhaps just one more thing: to see lots more beautiful art and works ourselves!

Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein: Thank you very much for the insights, dear Gordon, and good luck for the future!

Opening hours of Gallery Rieck:

Wednesday 14.00 to 18.00
Friday 14.00 to 18.00
Samstag 12.00 to 16.00

RIECK – Skandinavische Kunst
Carlshöhe 78
24340 Eckernförde

Tel: 0172 – 5123662
info@galerie-rieck.de
https://www.galerie-rieck.de/