The inaugural exhibition RELATION(ES) lives up to its name by forging connections between a wide range of artistic positions represented by the gallery, which was founded by Stella Melbye-Konan in 2020.
What is particularly compelling is the diversity on display. Beneath the villa’s soaring ceilings, the art historian brings together the vibrant abstractions of Ivorian artist Yannick Ackah —the gallery’s rising star—whose Basquiat-like large-scale works merge African masks, fragments of European art history, and elements of contemporary urban culture. Ackah’s collages, composed of acrylic paint, wax crayons, newspaper clippings, and textiles, create richly textured surfaces that weave together modern everyday culture and traditional visual languages.
In striking contrast are the intricate marker-drawn crowd scenes and embroidered works of young Armenian artist Araks Sahakyan. Meanwhile, French artist and filmmaker Nathalie David employs delicate floral drawings to address social and political challenges, including the influence of France’s far-right National Front. The neon-colored canvases of Swiss artist Stellar Meris explore physical and spiritual experiences, while Ivorian painter Ngoye creates powerful abstractions through restless, multilayered brushstrokes.
Inspired by Édouard Glissant’s concept of Relation, the exhibition establishes fascinating dialogues between painting, drawing, objects, installation, and digital art. Throughout the gallery’s elegant spaces—with their grand double doors and imposing staircase—West African visual culture intersects with Western modernism and global street aesthetics.
“My goal is not only to sell art,” says Stella Melbye-Konan, who brings international experience from renowned institutions such as the Centre Pompidou and the École du Louvre.“ It is to discover groundbreaking artistic voices and support them over the long term. Those who champion emerging artists help shape the future of art—and that is exactly what drives me.”
The gallery’s several relocations have done nothing to hinder its success. On the contrary. Following a location on Hamburg’s Jungfernstieg and a loft-like industrial space near the Alster, the new villa now offers more than twice as much room for exhibitions and events. The opening reception was celebrated with around 150 collectors and friends of the gallery.
RELATION(ES)
Through September 19, 2026
The exhibition is also part of Hamburg Art Week, taking place from September 3–6, 2026.
Galerie Melbye-Konan
Heimhuder Str. 56
20148 Hamburg
20148 Hamburg
By appointment
