Thomas Behling

Thomas Behling: "Ohne Öl kein Plexiglas" – "No oil, no plexiglass", 2022, Acrylic paint, iridescent pigments, hardboard, plexiglass, frame, 61 x 52 cm

NACH DER NATUR einskommafünf – AFTER NATURE one point five

‘After nature’ – since the Renaissance, this term has been used in art history to describe the direct observation of reality. Drawing and painting after nature meant capturing the visible world with the greatest possible accuracy, studying forms, proportions and atmospheres. Nature was regarded as the standard and reference point against which artistic skill and perception had to be trained.
But in the course of modernism, this aspiration began to shift. Artists no longer perceived landscape merely as an image to be reproduced, but increasingly as a projection surface and space for transformation. Landscape became a medium of memory, emotion and inner experience. The ‘after’ in the term thus takes on a second meaning within the exhibition: no longer mere ‘tracing,’ but a step beyond – beyond pure observation, into a new level of interpretation and imagination.
The exhibition ‘After Nature ONE’ is now followed by ‘After Nature ONE POINT FIVE.’

artists: Thomas Behling, Stefanie Bühler, Alfred Ehrhardt, Kaisu Koivisto, Ilka Raupach, Ralf Tekaat, Sencer Vardarman und Marcelina Wellmer

Opening on Thursday, 12 February 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m.

13.02.2026–30.05.2026

Artist talks:
On Saturday, 14 March 2026, 6 p.m. with Stefanie Bühler and Marelina Wellmer as part of Fair share

On Thursday, 7 May 2026, 6 p.m. with Thomas Behling, Ilka Raupach and Ralf Tekaat, moderated by Oliver Möst

Basement Berlin 
Access to Basement Berlin via the stairs at the globe fountain
Tauentzienstr. 9-12, 10789 Berlin, Germany

Barrier-free access is possible via the lift in the Europa Center Berlin.
In the basement, please take the exit towards Breitscheidplatz.

Open:
Wednesday–Saturday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
The Basement is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Free admission

Thomas Behling: "Artikel 20 alternativ", 2026

"Demokratie und Klima" – "Democracy and climate"

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. At the same time, democracy is threatened by authoritarian tendencies. Authoritarian systems tend to prioritise short-term populist interests driven by disinformation over far-sighted action and ecological responsibility. A stable democracy, on the other hand, enables open discussions about sustainable solutions. Through engagement and participation, citizens can exert pressure for effective climate policy. In this way, a strong democracy protects not only freedom, but also the future of our planet. Targeted disinformation, on the other hand, creates political moods that pave the way for catastrophic developments, as decisions are made blindly, detached from reality, but with very real – and often fatal – consequences.

The exhibition asks how political and social decision-making processes can be based on facts rather than sentiment – and what role art can play in communicating these complex interrelationships. The project uses artistic means to inform and invite dialogue. The exhibition shows works that take a critical look at the relationship between democracy, climate policy and the public sphere. At the same time, it encourages visitors to think about their own possibilities for action – as citizens, voters and creators.

The exhibition is accompanied by a dialogue-oriented program. Guided tours of the exhibition and the creation of small works of art on the theme are offered for children, young people, and groups of adults.

artists: Tom Albrecht, alfred banze , Thomas Behling, Carsten Borck, Felicitas Butt, Nick Crowe & Ian Rawlinson, Ute Diez, Stephan Groß, Gosia Hejnat, Heike Krause, Chuu Wai Nyein, Carina Pesch, Lioba von den Driesch, Ran You

Duration 10.4. – 15.5.2026

Opening on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7 pm
Welcome Tom Albrecht, introduction to the exhibition Katja Hock, DJ set: teiaaa. Textures, collages, experimental sounds, live effects.

Program:
April 17, 7 p.m. Active civil society. Reading with discussion. Katharina Dietze, Grandmas for Future and Grandmas Against the Right
April 24, 7 p.m. Artist talk, in which participating artists explain their works and engage in dialogue with visitors. Moderated by Katja Hock
May 1, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Workshop for children and young people
         with Gosia Hejnat (registration required).
         5–8 p.m. Exhibition of works by adults, children,
               and young people
         5:30 p.m. Guided tour of the exhibition with Stephan Groß
May 8, 7 p.m. Lecture with discussion: Direct cooperative democracy using the example of Berlin's tree decision. Aglaia Hajkova
May 15, 7 p.m. Finissage

GG3 – Group Global 3000 e.V.
Leuschnerdamm 19
10999 Berlin
Germany

Opening hours:
Tuesday, Friday: 5 pm - 8 pm
Free admission