Lumas celebrates 20 years of art for all
19 galleries across the globe
This autumn, Lumas, a trailblazer in the contemporary art scene, marks its 20th anniversary. Since its inception, the Berlin-based gallery has sold over one million works worldwide by more than 550 artists, establishing itself as a vital player in making art accessible and affordable. This remarkable journey has translated into over 33 million euros paid to artists, embodying Lumas’s mission of democratising art for everyone.
Founded in 2004 by Stefanie Harig and Marc Alexander Ullrich, Lumas began as an ambitious project in Berlin-Mitte, aiming to break the barriers of traditional art galleries. Their innovative multi-channel approach, which combines online platforms with physical galleries, has transformed how art is bought and sold. Lumas currently operates 19 galleries across the globe, allowing art enthusiasts and collectors to engage with contemporary photography in a more personal and accessible manner.
Lumas has curated a diverse portfolio that spans various styles and subjects. Its offerings include hand-signed, limited edition prints from established artists like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Christo and works from emerging talents. The gallery has cultivated a community of art lovers who may have previously hesitated to enter traditional galleries, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates artistic expression.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Lumas will release a limited, hand-signed Anniversary Collection featuring five renowned artists: Isabelle Menin, Luc Dratwa, Wolfgang Uhlig, André Monet, and Carl Miller. Available exclusively throughout October 2024, the proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Foundation of the University of the Arts Berlin (UdK) and the organisation Room to Read.
Lumas pledges to contribute a minimum of €50,000 to these charitable initiatives, with plans to sponsor 15 visual arts scholars through UdK’s Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program.
Outstanding students
The Deutschlandstipendium aims to support outstanding students by providing reliable financial assistance, covering half of the €3,600 annual scholarship cost. Room to Read, based in San Francisco, promotes education and gender equality in Asia and Africa. Since its inception in 2000, it has helped millions of children access quality education.
Alongside the Anniversary Collection, Lumas is set to launch a coffee-table book titled Liberation of Arts, published by teNeues. This 192-page retrospective celebrates the gallery’s rich history and artistic journey, showcasing over 150 colour and black-and-white photographs that reflect the diversity and quality of Lumas’s offerings.
The book, available in German and English, is designed to honour the artistic contributions of the past two decades and will be sold for €50, $65, or £45.
As Lumas thrives, its innovative approach has reshaped the art market landscape. The gallery’s commitment to offering high-quality, museum-grade photography has enabled art lovers to acquire pieces that resonate with their aesthetic.
From architecture and landscapes to portraits and abstract compositions, Lumas provides expertly developed motifs, ensuring that every piece is professionally framed or mounted for an elevated presentation.
The significance of Lumas lies not just in its sales figures but in its role as a champion for artists. Since its founding, the gallery has paid more than €33.5 million in royalties, supporting independent creators and allowing them to thrive in a competitive market. By focusing on the “democratisation of art,” Lumas has changed perceptions about contemporary photography, fostering a culture where customers become collectors and supporters of the arts.
Reflecting on two decades of success, Lumas’s founders, Harig and Ullrich, emphasise making art approachable. Their vision has resonated with countless customers, transforming the traditional gallery experience into one that welcomes all.
With its ongoing commitment to education and the arts, Lumas not only celebrates its past but also invests in the future of the art community. As it opens a new chapter in its story, the gallery remains dedicated to enhancing accessibility and fostering artistic dialogue, ensuring that art continues to inspire and enrich lives across the globe.
Lumas is a testament to what can be achieved when creativity meets accessibility. It is a cornerstone of the modern art market and a beacon of hope for artists and collectors alike.
Featured image: Pool 88 by Carl Miller. Credit: Lumas
Last Updated on 2 months by Dan Ngiam
