I must admit that I’m very interested in art and art history, but my knowledge about it is limited. Not only because of that, I greatly appreciate the regular exchanges with Isabel, where she lets me dive into the world of art, the craft, and the dynamics. Isabel is, without exaggeration, a pro in this field — a passion turned into her profession that has surrounded her throughout her entire life. But her interests are not limited to this department - meet a foodie, yogi, Weltenbummler! Have fun following her into her universe.
Lots of Love,
Franzi
„I am what I am, I am my own special creation, So come take a look…“ - Gloria Gaynor
Welcome to my crazy world - still 35, running a family business in the art world, a mom of three boys, and trying to be a good role model. After residing in various big cities around the globe for 12 years, I came back to my hometown, Cologne, a couple of years ago in 2015.
It felt like opening your closet in the morning and finding nothing to wear. When you know your way around but have been away for a while, it takes some effort not to walk the known paths and get to know new places and people instead. Despite the local patriotism Cologne is blessed with, I must admit it isn't the prettiest of Germany's big cities, BUT it is the most fun.
Riding my bike to work along the Rhine River and listening to some good tunes, while, depending on the season, observing some dressed-up Carnival people on their way home, puts a smile on my face. Although I am not the keenest fan of Carnival, I love that about my city: anyone can be whatever they wish, even some strange mythical creature on a Tuesday morning.
THE GOOD ART
After my family, there is nothing more present in my life than art. It shaped my childhood and influences who I am today and who I aspire to become in the future. Therefore, it is hard to narrow down to one favourite exhibition/artist/art form. When I am not enjoying the thrill of auctioneering art at Lempertz, the oldest family-owned art auction house worldwide and one of the major players in Europe, I love spending time with my artist friends, visiting studios, and exploring exhibitions.
One that I am particularly looking forward to visiting is my dear friend Melike Kara's exhibition at Schirn in Frankfurt this month. Melike creates spaces for remembrance. Starting from her examination of her family roots, her installations raise questions regarding identity, migration, and visibility. The questions of roots, migration, and the struggles that come with them are, in my opinion, major topics for our society.
You should definitely not miss this exhibition, which is on view from February 15 - May 12, 2024.
Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, Römerberg, Frankfurt
THE GOOD BEAUTY
Honestly, I am one of those lazy late risers in the morning. I always hope that my natural and inner beauty is enough, but usually, I end up conflicted with my short period of self-esteem and put on some lipstick as a compromise. Since it's basically the only beauty tool I apply, I have what feels like hundreds of lipsticks. However, there is one that I always come back to and is my absolute favourite. Byredo lipsticks, not glosses (!), are my top choice. While I usually stick to the same color, I recommend trying different ones. It's the satin finish that I love most about them.
THE GOOD FOOD
Guilty! I am a foodie, which is a struggle when you are small and don’t want to have the figure of a grape - 'chaparrita cuerpo de uva,' as they say in Mexico, a place I called home for some time. Food is one aspect we can't complain about in Cologne. We have plenty of good places and are blessed with a couple of high-end restaurants, some with one or more Michelin stars. Personally, I enjoy both the fancy and the unpretentious places. Currently, my favorite spot for dinner is Crevette Rosé, a stylish restaurant in Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
Crevette Rosé, Venloer Strasse 437, Cologne
For drinks, MD Bar, created by Cologne-based artists David Ostrowski and Michail Pirgelis, is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and some art at the same time.
MD Bar, Marsilstein 21-23, Cologne
For the best coffee in town, head over to Blooming. Accompanied with their delicious croissants, it makes a great breakfast. I usually enjoy it 'to go,' although their small coffee place is very stylish, and I am currently having their coffee while trying to write something useful for you.
Blooming, Leonhard-Tietz-Strasse 4, Cologne
By the way: The era of driving to Düsseldorf for Japanese food ended when Ito opened – a place I could go to every week.
Ito, Antwerpener Strasse 15, Cologne
THE GOOD INTERIOR
With my architectural studies in the pocket, and if I weren't where I am today, I would probably have ended up designing homes. While I think our home is very pretty, I am not convinced I would have been good at that job.
There are few things I enjoy more than strolling through design blogs or magazines on the hunt for unique pieces. My latest acquisition was a side table lamp by Linck Ceramics. Margrit Linck founded the company in 1942, and I fell in love with her designs after visiting the current exhibition at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, a city I also called home once.
Side note: If you are hunting for really unique pieces, take a look at decorative arts auctions at Lempertz.
THE GOOD TRAVEL
It would be presumptuous to say I have traveled the world since there are still many places I haven’t seen, but I kind of got a good overview by now. I am one of those types who rarely goes back to places. I prefer keeping the spirit of discovering new places, cultures, and countries.
Being half Chilean, I absolutely love my country on the other side of the world, but it is not suitable for a weekend trip. Don’t we need those quick weekend escapes every now and then? What I love about Europe is its dimension - if you are well located, you can be in so many places quickly. For example, I have planned a weekend ahead with friends in Paris, which is only 3 hours from Cologne. There are so many nice places and hotels, and instead of giving you a hotel recommendation, my only advice is to go see the world as it will shape your world.
THE GOOD MOVE
While traveling, I miss my time out and some yoga. But lucky for me, my favorite yoga place - Yes!Yoga - by my friend Leila, offers online courses as well.
Yes!Yoga, Friesenstrasse 50, Cologne
THANK YOU, Isabel, for being part of THE GOOD MOOD BOARD! <3