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“What is fascinating about art? It’s probably like being in love? Is it possible to describe that feeling in your stomach? My gallery is located in Cologne, Germany, the Rhineland region. … I moved from Berlin to Cologne because I liked the open–minded mentality in the city. You’ve got good institutions here, good galleries, and there’s a young scene growing again.” —Jan Kaps

Who’s ready for Art Basel in Basel?! In this video, Art Basel takes a bit of a diversion from its regular Meet the Gallerists format, as emerging Cologne gallerist, and first-time Art Basel exhibitor, Jan Kaps speaks more broadly about the Cologne art scene.

From Art Basel:

Over the last five years, Jan Kaps has established one of the Rhineland’s most exciting contemporary art spaces. Taken by Cologne’s good spirit and cultural wealth, the young gallerist set up shop in 2013, a stone’s throw from the legendary Chelsea Hotel, Martin Kippenberger’s former haunt. Kaps’ daring program and easygoing approach have contributed to shaking up the local scene, which has seen significant growth in recent years. In this exclusive interview, the gallerist stresses the importance of working with artists of his own generation, including Violet Dennison, Jean-Marie Appriou, and Peppi Bottrop. Diversity is also key to Kaps’ vision, centered on fostering exchange between German and international artistic positions.

For his first participation in Art Basel, Kaps will present pink marble sculptures by British-French artist duo Daniel Dewar & Grégory Gicquel in the Statements sector. The monumental artworks, using body parts as bathroom accessories, are characteristic of the gallery’s signature blend of incisive conceptualism and subtle sensuousness.