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.

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Category: Art

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

Berlin. Fashion Week goes Eco

At the moment it’s hard to mention anything German without bringing up football, but there is so much more happening here in the Hauptstadt.  Berlin fashion week kicks off on July 7th, and a bevy of beauties will be parading down catwalks, presenting the threads we’ll all be seeing in the coming months.

With the environment on politician’s lips and everyone’s mind, the trend of Eco fashion has seen a huge rise in popularity lately. It’s finally moving away from felted purses and Birkenstocks to some seriously desirable styles.  From the 9th of July to the 1st of August you’ll be able to check out some of the latest environmentally friendly creations from Magdalena Schaffrin, Esther Perbandt, Frau Wagner, Isabell de Hillerin, Format, Studio Ecocentric, Anne Wanders und Mikenke in the CREATE BERLIN Showroom. Read the rest of this entry »

Jim Kroft goes Solo

This article first appeared on the excellent BangBangBerlin.com website.

BANGBANGBERLIN.COM can exlusively tell you all that Jamie, previously of beloved Berlin band Myriad Creatures fame, has GONE SOLO! He shall also now be known as Jim Kroft. Tres Rock’nRoll, we know. Of course it’s sad when a band part ways, but we cant help feeling excited for Jim as his solo album was released just last week and after a listen, we have to say i’ts bloody fantastic. Titled ‘Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea’, it showcases what a truly talented songwriter and singer he is. Jim has been busy gigging around between Berlin+London and we can’t wait to catch him live ourselves. Enjoy the interview!! Read the rest of this entry »

Lux 11 Berlin. Behind Closed Doors

It all began 3 years ago when Henrik Pfeifer working on a photoshoot for a magazine.  The location? Berlin, Lux 11’s room 308.  Fast-forward to present day and the release of Pfeifer’ s book, simply titled “Room 308.”

During the original magazine shoot, Pfeifer recognized the unique qualities of the room.  Beams of sunlight reached through the space, the TV tower at Alexanderplatz loomed outside windows, just beyond typical East German architecture.  A concept was born.  He wanted to do more than a traditional book of portraits and nudes and that he did.  The resulting book is a colourful mix of friends, celebrities, models, and actors. Communication with his subjects was essential to the project and is evidenced by the intimate moments captured by Pfeifer’s lens.  Whether the subject shaving, jumping, or stretching nude across the bed, mundane moments are authentically  presented in a space that exudes Berlin charm.

The hardcover book is 144 pages and is available on Pfeifer’s website.  Signed copies are still available, but may not be for long.  Why not book a weekend to create your own version of personal portraits at Lux 11?   No matter which room you choose, you’re sure to be inspired.

If you speak or understand German, you can get the background to the project here:

Fast Tube by Casper

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Categories: Berlin, Photography

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

Old Drawers become Design Beauties

I’ve fallen in love.  There I’ve said it.  It’s a rare event, but when it happens, well, you know the symptoms.  Distracted thoughts, expecting to see my amour around every corner, and checking out pictures a little too often on the internet.

The object of my desire?  The gorgeous dressers created by the re-use of old drawers by two different firms in Berlin and Hamburg: Entwurf Direkt and Franziska Wodika’s Schubladen.  Both designers make a similar product, and the results are beautiful.  A classic item renewed by taking old drawers, and mixing and matching them into a new storage possibilities.  It’s more than just  dressers – they make desks, sideboards, kitchen counters, you name it and they’ll do it. Read the rest of this entry »