ARTfair Innsbruck is presenting a special exhibition by Bettina Heinen-Ayech

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, ARTfair Innsbruck is showcasing the lifetime achievements of Bettina Heinen-Ayech. Born in Solingen, the artist was active in both Germany and Algeria for decades and is regarded as one of the leading figures in European plein air and watercolour painting in the second half of the 20th century.

As early as 1955, when she was just 18 years old, the young painter’s works were included in the international travelling exhibition Deutsche Kunst der Gegenwart (Contemporary German Art), curated by Frankfurt gallery owner Hanna Bekker vom Rath. Her works were displayed alongside pieces by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Paul Klee, Max Beckmann, Max Ernst, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Käthe Kollwitz. The exhibition toured South America, Africa and Asia.

From the early 1960s onwards, Algeria and Germany were the two centres of the artist’s life. The light and landscapes of North Africa, as well as motifs from Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and Norway, influenced her artistic style, which evolved over the course of six decades. She has held more than 90 solo exhibitions in museums and cultural institutions across Europe and North Africa. Works by Bettina Heinen-Ayech are held in public and museum collections.

The painter has received numerous awards in Germany and Algeria in recognition of her life’s artistic work. These include the Culture Prize awarded by the Baden Community Foundation in Solingen in 1993, as well as several state honours in Algeria.

FrauenOrte NRW project. The FrauenOrt at the ‘Schwarzes Haus’ in Solingen celebrates her artistic achievements, her pivotal role in the historic Artists’ Colony of Solingen, and her lifelong commitment to cultural dialogue between Europe and North Africa.

This special exhibition at ARTfair Innsbruck marks the first time her work has been presented at an international art fair in a museum-like, non-commercial setting.

ARTfair Innsbruck founder and director Johanna Penz explains:

„The 30th edition of ARTfair Innsbruck is a special occasion for us to focus on both contemporary art and artists whose work is gaining new art-historical significance. By presenting Bettina Heinen-Ayech’s work at an international art fair for the first time, we are uniquely combining the art market, art-historical research and cultural exchange.”

From 23 to 25 October 2026, this special anniversary fair will offer the opportunity to engage with galleries, artists, collectors and an international audience of art enthusiasts.

Event details

ARTfair Innsbruck 2026, 23 to 25 October 2026, daily from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm                                         

Olympiaworld Innsbruck, Olympiastraße 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Visit ARTfair Innsbruck from 23 to 25 October 2026, daily from 11:00 to 19:00.

We would be delighted if you could include this event in your editorial coverage and events listings. We can provide you with high-resolution images, details of the artworks, and any other information you might need, all free of charge.

You can find information about ARTfair Innsbruck at: https://www.artfair-innsbruck.com

You can find out more about the artist Bettina Heinen-Ayech (1937–2020) and the Bettina Heinen-Ayech Foundation at: https://www.bettina-heinen-ayech-foundation.com/media/press-materials-for-download/