What if writing about art becomes art itself? In Beautiful Madness, Dutch curator and author Mark Kremer explores the fascinating intersection between art criticism and exhibition-making. Spanning three decades (1993–2023), the volume brings together 28 ‘artist studies’ – including 5 interviews – with internationally known artists such as Joan Jonas, Mike Kelley and Jeff Wall, as well as lesser known iindividuals such as Christiaan Bastiaans, Esther Kläs, and Klaas Kloosterboer. The texts have been arranged in five sections: ‘Trace’, ‘Gesture’, ‘Rudiment’, ‘Polyphony’ and ‘Steadfastness’, and they are preceded by an introduction that offers illuminating insights into the processes of curating and writing.

Mark Kremer, born in 1963 and based in Amsterdam, has made a name for himself as an independent curator and writer. His work is characterized by close collaboration with artists and a deep understanding of their practice.

This talk is part of 1. Alster Literaturfestival Hamburg in cooperation with Felix Jud and Valiz Book and Cultural Projects. The conversation between Mark Kremer and Hidde van Seggelen promises a captivating glimpse into the world theory and practice of contemporary art mediation. A must for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay between art, writing, and curating.

Beautiful Madness published by Valiz features texts on: Absalon (Meir Eshel), Tiong Ang, Christiaan Bastiaans, Harmen Brethouwer, Hugo Canoilas, Lutz Driessen, Helmut Federle, Alicia Framis, Wineke Gartz, Rob Johannesma, Joan Jonas, Mike Kelley, Esther Kläs, Klaas Kloosterboer, Job Koelewijn, André Kruysen, Jos van Merendonk, Almagul Menlibayeva, Aernout Mik, Pieter Laurens Mol, Astrid Nobel, Jan van de Pavert, Roee Rosen, Roland Schimmel, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Lorelinde Verhees, Jeff Wall and more.

Felix Jud, Buch- und Kunsthandlung
Neuer Wall 13, 20354 Hamburg
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 13:00

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