At 39 years old, Johanna Urban has fulfilled a long-held dream by opening her own art gallery in the heart of Freiburg, Germany. Since November, she has been operating the "Gallery of Small Arts" (Galerie der kleinen Künste) at Adelhauser Square in downtown Freiburg, creating a distinctive space that celebrates intimate artistic expressions.
Urban's approach to art curation is deeply personal and intuitive. She believes in experiencing artwork firsthand before making any decisions about featuring it in her gallery. "I have to stand in front of a piece, grasp its dimensions, understand the light and the colors," Urban explains. "Then I can feel whether it does something to me or not, completely independent of the style."
This philosophy reflects Urban's commitment to emotional connection over commercial trends or artistic movements. Her gallery focuses on what she calls "small arts" – works that may be modest in scale but powerful in their ability to create intimate connections between the viewer and the artwork.
The Freiburg native brings a unique background to her gallery venture, having studied industrial design in Kiel. This educational foundation has given her a distinctive perspective on art and design, influencing how she selects and presents pieces in her gallery space.
The Gallery of Small Arts represents more than just a commercial venture for Urban; it embodies her vision of making art accessible and meaningful to everyday visitors. Located in the bustling Adelhauser Square, the gallery serves as a cultural bridge in Freiburg's historic city center, where residents and tourists alike can discover carefully curated works that prioritize emotional resonance over size or fame.
Urban's curatorial process is refreshingly straightforward yet profound. Rather than being swayed by artistic pedigree or market value, she relies on her instinctive response to each piece. This approach ensures that every work displayed in the Gallery of Small Arts has passed a personal test of authenticity and emotional impact.
The timing of the gallery's opening in November positions it as a new cultural destination during the important winter season, when Freiburg's residents and visitors seek indoor cultural experiences. The gallery's focus on "small arts" fills a particular niche in the city's cultural landscape, offering an alternative to larger, more conventional gallery spaces.
Urban's journey from industrial design student to gallery owner represents a broader trend of creative professionals following their passion for art curation and cultural entrepreneurship. Her decision to focus on smaller-scale works reflects a growing appreciation for intimate artistic experiences in an increasingly digital world.
The Gallery of Small Arts stands as a testament to the power of following one's dreams and the importance of trusting personal instincts in the art world. Urban's emphasis on emotional connection over commercial considerations creates a unique gallery experience that prioritizes the viewer's personal response to art above all else.
