Following the magnificent opening that took place last Friday evening (July 17), an exciting exhibition in Berlin’s artistic heart, Mitte, continues to welcome visitors. Hosted by Semjon Contemporary, the group exhibition titled “Verzaubert — proud to be proud” (Enchanted — proud to be proud) is currently one of the most remarkable stops on the Berlin contemporary art route.
The ambitious title of the exhibition melts two powerful feelings into a single crucible: both an enchanted state of emotion and a political and aesthetic stance that boldly and loudly embraces this feeling. Bringing together the interdisciplinary works of ten artists, this special selection awaits its visitors until August 1.
Who Is Featured?
The exhibition brings together the works of ten valuable artists: Pancho Assoluto, Rick Castro, Andreas Fux, Florian Hetz, Norbert Heuler, Jan-Holger Mauss, Male Shibari, Thomas Synnamon, Stefan Thiel, and Elmar Vestner. Semjon Contemporary’s focus in Mitte is generally shaped around photography, video, and conceptual practices; in this exhibition as well, themes of queer aesthetics, identity, and visibility come strikingly to the fore.
In particular, Los Angeles-based photographer and filmmaker Rick Castro is one of the standout names in the exhibition with his lens fed by the underground culture of the 1960s and 70s. The other artists featured in the selection are also figures actively producing in the contemporary art scenes of Europe and North America, blending body and identity politics with aesthetics.
Small Yet Significant: Semjon Contemporary’s Location
Located at Schröderstraße 1 in Mitte, Semjon Contemporary is a prestigious venue known for its independent, original, and refined programming, unlike massive corporate galleries. It is undoubtedly one of the best addresses for an exhibition like “Verzaubert”—one that is both emotional and political, a celebration and an open manifesto alike.
Having opened its doors to the general public on July 18, the exhibition will run until August 1. We have a time window of about 12 days ahead of us to experience this striking event. If you are in Berlin before July ends, we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Verzaubert — Proud to Be Proud”
- Where, when, and for how long is the exhibition taking place?
Opening (Vernissage): Took place on July 17, 2026.
Visiting Dates: July 18 – August 1, 2026
Address: Semjon Contemporary, Schröderstraße 1, 10115 Berlin (Mitte). You can check semjoncontemporary.com for visiting conditions and details.
- Which artists are featured?
Pancho Assoluto, Rick Castro, Andreas Fux, Florian Hetz, Norbert Heuler, Jan-Holger Mauss, Male Shibari, Thomas Synnamon, Stefan Thiel, and Elmar Vestner.
- What themes is the exhibition built upon?
Shaped around the title “Verzaubert — proud to be proud,” the exhibition combines the concepts of enchantment and pride. Themes of queer aesthetics, body politics, identity, and visibility gain prominence throughout the selection.
NO-26 Editor’s Art Route Note
Don’t be sad if you missed the opening on the evening of July 17; the exhibition awaits its visitors in Mitte with all its grandeur over the next two weeks. An unmissable stop in these July days for those who want to discover Berlin’s queer art map and witness the refined aesthetic approach of an independent gallery!
