Tour des Arts – This Season’s Rundgang at the Baumwollspinnerei

Although the hubbub was over several weeks ago, it’s still important to let you in on one of the biggest cultural events in Leipzig. But before I can explain what a Rundgang is, I ought to start by giving you a quick primer on the Baumwollspinnerei. Founded in 1884, the Leipzig Cotton Mill quickly became the largest cotton mill in continental Europe. This industrial complex grew to include many factories, lodging, and other amenities on what was then the western edge of Leipzig. After World War II, the Spinnerei became a VEB or state owned enterprise and was ultimately shuttered after German Reunification. A new phase of usage was initiated in the mid-90s and a new concept had been established by the 2000s. The first official gallery openings took place on May 1, 2005 and since then there has been a tradition of coordinated openings in the spring and autumn.

Although life continued even after the Guardian described the Spinnerei as the “Hottest place on Earth,” it continues to attract many visitors on the opening days. The most iteration was no exception, with some 20,000 people coming to look at art and look at people looking at art. It was clear that for some people, the point was to see and be seen. And there was an effort to avoid coinciding with the Berlin Gallery Weekend and Art Cologne.

And yet, there was some interesting art to see. In addition to the coordinated openings of around fifteen galleries and exhibition spaces, many of the over 100 artists opened up their studios to visitors. This was particularly interesting to me personally because I’ve shared a work space with a couple graphic designers at the top of Halle 14 for two years now (taking over the spot used by the brilliant writer Heike Geißler when she went off to a year-long residency in Rome). Although I had occasionally struck up conversations with artists on our floor, I had never see the work of VONBROTA or Suzana Brborović. But now I have.