Art lovers should not miss a trip to the "underground". Because at the end of the long staircase, the ultimate "Boah" effect awaits. This is created by the monumental space. But even more so by the art itself, which hangs and stands here in impressive formats. The woman who holds everything here in her hands provides an additional "far away" moment: Christiane Obermann.
Not to separate "work" from "life," to devote oneself around the clock to one's life's work, is not a privilege for everyone. But Christiane Obermann does. "When I visit my daughter in Madrid and immerse myself in the world of museums and galleries, it has to do with everything that is important to me. I wouldn't know what I'd rather be doing, and yet it's always part of my job, too," says the Münster native. She adds, "Standing in front of these enormous paintings in the 'Prado' and feeling the spirit of the artist in the room is fantastic. I need the sensual experience of art. That's why I haven't yet ventured into the subject of NFT*," she reports, and you can understand what drives her.
XXL formats that engage the viewer with all the senses are her thing. However, she does not represent the old masters, but the current modernity of various genres. The combination of opulent photographic still lifes à la Vera Mercer, colorful wall objects by Willi Siber and rugged, abstract steel compositions by Bernar Venet (to name just a few names) is delightful. Masterfully curated. Emerging young artists and very big international names hang side by side here.
Many objects need space in order to be valid. But of course, smaller formats are also part of her repertoire. "My specialty: I like to advise people who want to ennoble their vacation home with art. Every year, the circle of my regular customers grows. The great thing about the Kampen location: People have the means, but above all the time, to discover art on vacation. People often buy from me for their homes in the city. Very few people acquire art solely as a financial investment. They want to live with the work." For the "out-of-home work experience," Christiane Obermann has also placed works in the "Vogelkoje," at "Mock & Eberle" in Keitum, and sculptures in the Whiskymeile. Her XL room in the basement can be imagined as a backdrop for yoga sessions or cultural events. Both are true - somehow. The yoga sessions, however, are strictly private.
Christiane Obermann is celebrating this summer's cultural event for customers and friends: Together with Mike Shay, the fashion whisperer and friend from across the street, Kampen is expecting a double 5th anniversary celebration with a fashion show and lots of art on July 28.
Conviviality is in Christiane Obermann's blood anyway. For a long time the Münsteran resident lived in the party-loving Rhineland, where she was a gallery owner with a "Werkhalle" that was actually located in an industrial building. She has not regretted the move to Kampen for a moment. Also because of the new friendships and the village proximity. "Our end of the year with potato soup and beer was terrific. 'Galerie Herold' had also invited to art and enjoyment on the same day. Many people commuted, a great atmosphere," reports Christiane Obermann. The multi-layered gallery scene in the village lives in mutual respect, but without direct exchange. "What is not, can still become," says the "Werkhallen" director with a smile.
In the winter months, she was one of the few in the village who almost always kept the store door open. Unless she was visiting exhibitions, fairs, her daughters or the artists she represents. She used the quiet days in Kampen for unconditional administrative and creative time. "I really got a lot done and of course I was there for everyone who wanted to look at and buy art. A pleasure...", says Christiane Obermann, who can point to a steady positive business development since the opening five years ago.
As a woman who burns for what she has created, there are no half measures with her. The layout of the advertisements, the constantly updated online catalog, and the satisfaction of her artists: Everything comes from a single source. But now there's reinforcement: "I've been able to win over a young woman for the social media. Another lady supports me in the gallery. Both are at home in the world of art." Christiane Obermann has filled her business with life in all its facets and created a small world that generates breadth - especially in the soul.
