Doitsu Art Buchmarkt

Illustration: Yoko Nakayama

The exhibition “German Book Store,” which offers a glimpse into the contemporary art book scene in Germany, will be a showcase of art books and zines selected by the artist Stephan Marx; Michalis Pichler, the artist who runs the Berlin Art Book Fair Miss Read; the curator Tenko; the creative agency Studio Yukiko; and the bookstore do you read me?! This selection, made from different vantage points of innovative creatives, will create an opportunity for visitors to experience the diversity of German art books and zines.

Curators 

Stefan Marx

Stefan Marx is a German contemporary artist recognized for his distinctive line drawings, typeworks and artist books. Born in 1979, Marx draws heavily from subcultures such as music, zine making and changing environments by traveling, often infusing his work with a whimsical yet thought-provoking quality. His drawings revolve around simple yet expressive linework paired with handwritten text, frequently offering humorous or reflective commentary on our lifes. In addition to his work on paper and canvas, Marx is deeply involved in zine and artist book culture, creating numerous self-published artist books and collaborating with independent publishers and galleries. His collaborations extend to the fashion world, with brands like Comme des Garcons and The Ennoy Professional, as well as musicians and record labels. Marx's work has been exhibited internationally, from galleries to major art fairs, and he remains an influential figure in blending artistic expression with pop and youth culture influences.

Tenko Nakajima 

Tenko Nakajima is a German-Japanese curator and gallerist. In 2022, she founded Galerie Tenko Presents, a nomadic gallery dedicated to showcasing both Japanese and international artists through site-specific exhibitions in Tokyo and abroad. By embracing a nomadic model, Nakajima bridges the Japanese and global art scenes, whilst also challenging the conventional model of an art gallery. Her recent exhibitions feature artists, including Billy Coulthurst, Coumba Samba, Raiki Yamamoto, Morag Keil, Nicolas Ceccaldi, and Thomas Capdeville. She has also taken part in art fairs, such as Art Collaboration Kyoto 2024, where she presented works by Klara Liden, Peter Fischli, Emily Sundblad, and Alan Michael and Material 2024.

Studio Yukiko

Studio Yukiko is a Berlin-based creative agency founded by Michelle Phillips and Johannes Conrad, specializing in creative direction, art direction, brand strategy, concept generation and graphic design for commercial and cultural clients alike. The studio produces award-winning work, unearthing narratives, telling stories of local communities worldwide, and immerses themselves in the trends of internet and youth culture. With its research arm, Yukiko continually experiments with contemporary forms of visual storytelling and fosters a deeper understanding of the audiences with which its projects engage. Yukiko’s work has been awarded by D&AD, ADC Germany, TDC New York and Lead Awards, among others.

do you read me?!

Founded in Berlin in 2008, do you read me?! is an internationally renowned haven for book and magazine enthusiasts. The little shop boasts an inspiring curation of printed matter, catering to the diverse tastes of print aficionados. From publications on art, photography, design and typography to fashion, architecture, literature, music, film and food, do you read me?! offers a captivating panorama of contemporary independent publishing.