One to Watch

Open for only about 3 months, Direktoren Haus (Director’s House) is already a shining example of what is possible in Berlin.  The concept of the space is to explore the “Gesamtkunstwerk” (the total art work), meaning that the exhibitions intend to explore the effects of art and design on all five of the senses.

The Direktoren Haus plays host to far more than just pictures on the wall.  Traditional arts and crafts along side analogue technology and digital media, will probe the boundaries between art and design.  A recent event combined action weaving, a forest photo booth, complete with costumes and wildly dressed assistants to take whimsical pictures, and the work of Olaf Hajek.

The space itself overlooks the river, and was originally part of the State Mint, used to store coins and artworks during WW II.  Some rooms are decorated with wallpaper so beautiful, it makes one think that maybe wallpaper isn’t such a bad idea, and others are painted subtle tones of grey, highlighting the works on the wall.  You might recognize the gallery owners, Pascal Johanssen and Katja Kleiss, as the founders of Illustrative, an internationally recognized forum for contemporary illustration and graphic art.

Not to be missed events in August include a screening of futuristic art films, a workshop that will teach participants how to make plastic from simple kitchen ingredients, and a Burlesque live drawing class.  Entry to most of the events is free, but drinks, of course, cost extra.

See Direktoren Haus’s full programme of events on their gorgeous website. www.direktorenhaus.com

We’re looking for a new hotel for our collection in Berlin…got one you love, then let us know at feedme@whitelinehotels.com.  If you recommend it and it joins, we’ll put you up in it for a night.

—

Category: Art

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter