Art and techno
August 8, 2014
Berghain isn't only legendary for techno music in Berlin; it has made a name for itself all over the world with its excessive parties, darkrooms and various other kinds of hedonism that happens there.
The infamous club is turning 10 in December 2014 and the celebrations are being launched already with an art exhibition. Starting Friday (08.08.2014), the halls of the former power plant will showcase paintings, objects and installations of artists that have been connected to the club for years.
What might sound strange to some - a techno club celebrating a decade of existence with an art exhibition - isn't so far fetched. Whether it's Berghain's bartenders, electricians and even iconic bouncer Sven Marquardt, who is feared by many for his strict door policy, the team associated with the club includes a range of artists.
Since opening its doors in 2004 at the border of the two Berlin districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg - hence the name Berghain - it has regularly incorporated art projects in its line-up.
The interior's minimalist design featuring steel and concrete looks like an art work itself with its 18-meter-high dance floor that can accommodate up to 1,500 clubbers.
The upstairs dance floor, Panorama Bar, is decorated with large-scale photographs by the German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans.
And Berghain has featured several performances and exhibition in its holy techno halls. It has collaborated with the Berlin State Ballet several times to create ballet performances with dancers moving to electronic sounds composed by prominent techno artists in the club's massive interior.
Now, artists that have been connected to Berghain for years will showcase their works of art in the former power plant to celebrate a decade of Berghain. The exhibition features bouncer Sven Marquardt's photography, a video installation by Polish artist Piotr Nathan and paintings by Norbert Biky, to name a few.
Christoph Tannert, who is the head of the art house Bethanien in Berlin, has curated the exhibition.
Techno lovers don't have to be disappointed, however. This is just the start of the celebrations and rest assured - a slew of days-long techno in honor of the anniversary are still to come.