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ART KARLSRUHE 2026 took place from February 5–8, 2026, and during the Preview we had the opportunity to take a closer look—an impression that was unmistakable: the fair continues to gain relevance, confidence, and cultural weight.
The Academy Square was one of the fair’s most inspiring platforms for emerging artists. This curated special exhibition brought together recent graduates from three distinguished art schools: the State Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe, the University of Arts and Design Karlsruhe and the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design. Up to six artists or collectives from each institution were selected to present work that is committed, innovative and deeply connected to the artistic concerns of today—an exciting snapshot of the region’s next generation of voices.
A further highlight of the fair was the special presentation by the LBBW Collection titled “Digital Traces,” which explored the profound impact of digital technologies on contemporary artistic practices. Curated by Sarah Haberkorn, the showcase brought together works that do not just use digital tools, but critically reflect on how digitalisation, artificial intelligence and virtual cultures shape perception, creativity and authorship today. The presentation featured works by artists such as Albert Oehlen, Mary-Audrey Ramirez, Manuel Graf, Andreas Greiner and Avery Gia Sophie Schramm, each approaching the digital not merely as subject matter but as an active force within artistic processes.
Equally impressive was the installation by ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, which added a strong institutional and conceptual layer to the fair and underlined Karlsruhe’s unique role at the intersection of art, media, and technology.
What has become increasingly noticeable is how ART KARLSRUHE attracts a more diverse, engaged, and curious audience, mirrored by the growing quality and ambition of the participating galleries and artists. The fair feels more international, more discursive, and more open to experimentation than ever before.
Overall, ART KARLSRUHE 2026 left us with a strong sense that this fair is not only evolving—but becoming an essential meeting point for contemporary art in Germany and beyond. An absolutely outstanding event, and one we can highly recommend.
