“Rendezvous of Friends” — Rinaldo Hopf & Rosa von Praunheim
Opening: Friday, 7 November 2025, 7–9 PM
On view until 31 December 2025
The Ballery, Nollendorfstrasse 11, Berlin-Schöneberg
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 13-21hr
The Ballery presents “Rendezvous of Friends,” a rare and intimate exhibition uniting two legendary figures of queer Berlin art and culture: Rinaldo Hopf and Rosa von Praunheim.
Both artists are celebrated as icons of gay artistic expression — their works chronicling decades of creative defiance, beauty, and friendship. Hopf’s luminous portraits and sensual explorations of queer identity have made him one of Germany’s most collected contemporary painters. Rosa von Praunheim, a groundbreaking filmmaker, painter, and activist, continues to shape the cultural and political landscape with his fearless creativity and uncompromising voice.
Curated by Simon Williams, director of The Ballery, Rendezvous of Friends is more than an exhibition — it’s a celebration of friendship and gratitude. “Rinaldo and Rosa are not only icons of our time but also dear friends who have both inspired me and influenced Berlin’s artistic life immeasurably,” says Williams. “Bringing their works together at The Ballery feels like an act of homage — a meeting of art, memory, and love.”
The exhibition features a selection of paintings and mixed media works from both artists, offering collectors and admirers an exceptional opportunity to acquire works by two of Berlin’s most important creative voices.
All works are for sale.
Exhibition on view until 31 December 2025.
Rinaldo Hopf is a trailblazing queer artist, painter, photographer, and editor. His work celebrates LGBTQ+ history, eroticism, and global culture—from the iconic “Golden Queers” series to the pandemic-era “Social Distancing” watercolours.
A longtime collaborator with The Ballery in Berlin, Hopf has exhibited internationally, including Rome, New York, Los Angeles, and Venice, and is represented in collections like the Tom of Finland Foundation and Schwules Museum Berlin.
A close friend of Rosa von Praunheim, Hopf brings the visual, painterly dimension to the queer narrative Rosa shaped through film—together, they are two pillars of queer art and culture in Germany.
Rosa von Praunheim – artist, filmmaker, activist.
A true legend of German culture, Rosa’s bold films and vibrant paintings explore identity, sexuality, and society with wit, courage, and heart. Over six decades, he has created more than 150 films, written books, and exhibited internationally. Don’t miss this rare chance to see his paintings at The Ballery!