Published: June 6, 2025

EXOgallery was buzzing with anticipation on Thursday evening as art lovers, collectors, and creatives gathered for the opening of the group exhibition The stage is yours!, curated by celebrated choreographer Eric Gauthier. The event, which was fully booked, transformed the gallery into a vibrant meeting point of visual art and contemporary dance aesthetics.

Ilona Keilich, founder and gallerist of EXOgallery, welcomed the guests and opened the evening with heartfelt words about the gallery’s mission. “As a multidisciplinary space, EXOgallery is always seeking new ways to bring art forms into dialogue,” she explained. “That’s why I invited Eric Gauthier—someone whose work as a choreographer is deeply rooted in movement, emotion, and narrative—to curate this show.”

Gauthier, known internationally for pushing boundaries in contemporary dance, took on the challenge with gusto. In his curatorial debut, he brought together eight distinctive artists whose works explore collour, movement, identity, and the energy of urban life. Five of the artists joined the reception: Marc C. Woehr, Susanne Bonowicz, Timo Grimm, Marina Wittemann, and Valo Valentino, engaging directly with guests and offering insights into their creative process.

Adding a personal dimension to the show, Gauthier also contributed pieces from his private collection, including works by Banksy and CB Hoyo, which complemented the tone and thematic arc of the exhibition.

Throughout the evening the atmosphere was electric—guests mingled shoulder to shoulder with the artists and curator, blurring the line between audience and participant.

The stage is yours! is not just a title—it’s a bold invitation. And on this unforgettable evening, everyone stepped onto the stage.

Photos (c) Jeanette Bak