opening reception
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opening reception
The ceremonial opening of an art exhibition, often taking place on the evening before it opens to the general public and attended by artists, critics, and invited guests.
Wir sind heute Abend zur Vernissage der neuen Fotoausstellung im Museum eingeladen.
We are invited to the opening reception of the new photography exhibition at the museum this evening.
'Vernissage' (opening reception) is a loanword from French and comes from 'vernir' (to varnish). In the past, shortly before the opening of an exhibition, artists applied the final layer of varnish (the 'Firnis') to their paintings. This event became the term for the entire opening celebration.
Der Firnis schützt das Gemälde und lässt die Farben leuchten.
The varnish protects the painting and makes the colors shine.
Around this event, people use verbs such as 'zu einer Vernissage einladen' (to invite someone to an opening reception), 'auf eine Vernissage gehen' (to go to an opening reception), or 'an einer Vernissage teilnehmen' (to attend an opening reception). The event itself 'findet statt' (takes place).
Die Künstlerin hat mich persönlich zu ihrer Vernissage eingeladen.
The artist personally invited me to her opening reception.
A 'Vernissage' (opening reception) is a social event in the field of art and culture. Unlike a normal museum visit, it is a ceremonial opening at which the artist, critics, and invited guests are often present.
Auf der Vernissage hatte ich die Gelegenheit, mit dem Künstler über seine Werke zu sprechen.
At the opening reception, I had the opportunity to speak with the artist about his works.
exhibition / issuing
'die Ausstellung' and 'die Vernissage' both belong to the art world, but they do not mean the same thing. 'die Ausstellung' is the whole public presentation of artworks. It can last several days, weeks, or months. 'die Vernissage' is only the ceremonial opening of an art exhibition, often with guests and sometimes with the artist. The words can be confused because you also see art at a Vernissage. But to be precise: you visit an Ausstellung, and for the opening you go to a Vernissage.
In der Galerie traf meine Freundin bei der Vernissage viele Künstler.
At the opening reception in the gallery, my friend met many artists.
Sie ist bis Ende des Monats in der kleinen Galerie zu sehen: die Ausstellung mit neuen Bildern.
It can be seen in the small gallery until the end of the month: the exhibition with new paintings.