Arthur Kostner
March 20, 2026 – April 30, 2026
Glühen
Frankfurter Westend Galerie
Under the title “Glühen,” the Westend Galerie in Frankfurt will open an exhibition featuring the latest works by Arthur Kostner on March 20 at 6 p.m. In the year of its 60th anniversary, the gallery is showcasing an artist who is one of its long-standing favorites. The collaboration with the sculptor from Appiano/Eppan (Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol) has been ongoing since 1990.
An elegantly curved line, a sweeping form in a luminous orange-red, evokes a glowing iron rod. At the bottom edge of a dark red rectangle, contrasting bright stripes of color shine. This explains the title “Glühen”. However, the exhibition is not about iron or light objects, but about wood. Three-dimensional, curved, and filigree wooden forms extend along the walls like lettering. Next to them hang glossy lacquered wooden panels with cloudy or linear color gradients. The works appear light yet austere, demonstrating how minimalist art can still evoke emotions.
Kostner’s work navigates the tension between painting and sculpture. In wood, he has found a traditional and congenial medium that he continually reinterprets artistically in new ways. In his earlier works, the characteristic features of the wood—such as grain or knotholes—remained visible despite a thin layer of paint. In more recent works, these were initially covered with opaque paint. Today, the artist works with carefully sanded wood, which he coats with a glossy layer of varnish. As a result, the natural appearance of the material recedes into the background, creating a new, distinct aesthetic effect.
Arthur Kostner’s works are on view through April 30.
Opening Reception: The opening reception will take place on March 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The artist will be present.
Opening hours: Tue–Fri from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thu from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and by appointment
Easter break: March 30–April 10
Matinee at the gallery: Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Frankfurt Westend Gallery
German-Italian Association
Arndtstraße 12
60325 Frankfurt am Main
T. +49 69 74 67 52
E. galerie@div-web.de