Artist Peter Genßler from Bleicherode is preparing to open his new exhibition titled "Compression of Truth" at the Regional Savings Bank gallery next Tuesday. The upcoming show promises to be a significant cultural event, marking a return to normal exhibition openings after the challenging pandemic years.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted artists' lives and careers just over five years ago. Mask mandates and widespread restrictions dominated daily life, making it particularly difficult for artists to showcase their work. In August 2020, Genßler experienced these challenges firsthand when a long-planned exhibition proceeded without a celebratory opening ceremony. However, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, things will certainly be different.
The Nordhausen-born artist will present his artworks at the Regional Savings Bank gallery on Kornmarkt in Nordhausen. During a Friday afternoon preview, local media had the opportunity to observe Genßler preparing his exhibition and engage in an animated conversation with the artist. "This time," Genßler explained, "I can look forward to meeting people interested in art again. The conversation with them, the exchange about my art – that's simply important to me."
The current exhibition features approximately 50 works that impressively reflect the artist's versatility. The collection primarily consists of large-format paintings, mostly executed in acrylic technique. Additionally, watercolors, print graphics, and several sculptures enrich the exhibition. According to Genßler, he has been traveling extensively in recent years, capturing landscapes, industrial halls, architectural and industrial monuments, as well as animals through his camera, later transforming these images artistically in his Bleicherode studio.
When examining Genßler's art, viewers often question whether his work leans more toward representational or abstract art. The answer appears to be both, although the Bleicherode artist describes himself primarily as an abstract artist. His longstanding fascination with technology is unmistakably evident in his works. Whether depicting large excavators in decommissioned lignite mining areas or equipment from potash mining, this fascination compels him to take up brush and paint, immortalizing these subjects on canvas.
Dr. Hannelore Pientka from Ellrich will provide an in-depth examination of Genßler's rich body of work during the opening ceremony, as she will deliver the laudatory speech at the vernissage. It's worth noting Genßler's sculptural achievements for completeness, including the bronze bust of Michael Meyenburg (2016) in the garden of the eponymous art house and the bronze statue of Martin Luther in front of Nordhausen's Blasii Church (2017).
Genßler demonstrates once again with this upcoming exhibition that he understands how to work artistically with the necessary tools and materials. He views all his endeavors, whether working with wood, stone, or metal, as interesting and demanding fields of activity. Regarding drawing and painting, he often emphasizes that these come more naturally to him.
The hopefully numerous guests can look forward to the vernissage next Tuesday (December 2), which traditionally begins at 6:30 PM in the bank gallery. Nivia Hillerin-Filges from Theater Nordhausen will provide musical accompaniment on piano, setting the mood for the new art presentation. The exhibition will remain on display until February 6, 2026, during the bank's operating hours at Kornmarkt in Nordhausen, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
