From December 2000 to spring 2010, the Berlin-based artist Semjon H.N. Semjon has uniquely linked retail with the art world with his unique long-term artistic project »KioskShop berlin (KSb)«. Since its official opening in October 2001, around 7,000 visitors have visited »KioskShop« at Schröderstrasse 1 in Berlin-Mitte.
After eleven years of slumber behind prebuilt walls, he was brought back to reality for a short period of time because the lease was terminated by Nicolas Berggruen Holdings for December 31, 2021. It looked as if the »KioskShop« would only have a short life at its original location.
However, with the signing of the new lease on March 1, 2022, the stage is set for him to stay for another 5 years. But then he has to get out, according to the contract. But what will be in 5 years, no one likes to predict. As we are experiencing right now: The world will no longer be what it is today, especially yesterday.
Semjon has decided not to reinstate the »KioskShop«. He will now have to assert himself in the coming years. Fate seems to have determined that the duality of gallery owner and artist is not a handicap, but a positive challenge.
A solution must therefore be found as to how the gallery work can continue to be intensively pursued, since the »KioskShop« takes up a third of the previous exhibition space of Semjon Contemporary. Semjon is working on a solution to give 'its' gallery artists the best opportunity to continue to be highly visible. Stay well disposed to us, or become so now and in the future!
Semjon H. N. Semjon
(October 2021 and March 2, 2022)
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