Many artists take a similar path: organize exhibitions and hope that as many galleries as possible will take notice and that the offers will come by themselves. With the Frank Krüger Galleries in Cala Ratjada, Palma, Berlin and Artà, the artist goes completely different ways – and has not regretted it so far!
Art exhibitions as a springboard
When Frank Krüger decided to make his living as an artist in the future, he did what all artists do. He went to hotels, restaurants and galleries and asked about ways to exhibit his works. Even then, many believed in him and so there were also successful exhibitions, but they always had a catch: After two or three months, the exhibition was over and the next location had to be found.
Constantly looking for new opportunities cost Frank Krüger a lot of time (and nerves). Even back then, he would have preferred to invest that time in his art. When the opportunity arose to open a small gallery of his own in Cala Ratjada, he took it. That was the next logical step for the artist after the art exhibitions and, as it quickly turned out, the right decision. So it did not take long and Frank was able to move from the first gallery to the current location, directly at the beautiful port of Cala Ratjada, and combine gallery and studio there. With the view that is presented to him there every day, his work is twice as much fun!
By chance to Palma and Berlin!
With the success of his art, the desire grew in Frank Krüger to take the next step himself. With his wife Laura at the side, who not only supports her husband, but also runs the business with Frank with lots of great ideas and, above all, even more know-how, plans were forged. Palma was to become the location of a new gallery for the energetic couple. And coincidence also led them to vacant rooms in the old town, which they immediately fell in love with. The Frank Krüger Gallery opened in Palma in 2014 and has been attracting and delighting visitors ever since!
The next Frank Krüger Gallery in Berlin was not long in coming, although Frank and Laura had to be patient here to implement their plans. It premises directly on the popular Gendarmen Markt, which had previously housed a Meissen porcelain shop for 43 years. And are therefore considered a really good address, were managed by a committee. It was this who advised for seven months which of the numerous applicants may use the rooms in the future. Frank Krüger got the contract!
In Artà it was also the landlord who trusted the artist Frank Krüger. The rooms in the beautiful city in the northeast of Mallorca had been empty for a long time and should be filled with “something special”. This is how Frank was approached and here, too. The artist prevailed with his concept and his works against other applicants. And, due to Corona, he opened the newest gallery temporarily only virtually in 2020!
Four galleries – that makes Frank Krüger unique
The stations clearly show that Frank Krüger risked a lot and that coincidence certainly played a role here and there that the artist now operates four galleries on Mallorca and Berlin. Incidentally, that is not only a great achievement, but also unique, at least in Europe. No other artist has four galleries of their own here!
The reasons why artists rarely take this path are obvious: the fixed costs are immense! If an artist is still on the way up, the financial outlay is difficult to cope with. However, if the artist has a name and the financial means, he is usually so well known that the galleries are raging for him and he doesn’t have to worry about suitable exhibitions. So it is not necessary to take the risk that your own galleries bring with them.
Frank Krüger made a conscious decision to go this way. Perhaps precisely because it is as extraordinary as his works of art are. He has never regretted it to this day – even if 2020 was a year with losses due to Corona. But many have to complain about them. It is important to look ahead and make the most of the situation with fresh ideas. Frank and Laura do that every day!
