NACHTS Berlin Art Week Exhibition Offers A Glimpse into Berlin’s Techno Culture
Berlin, a city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and legendary nightlife, is a melting pot of creativity and expression. Amidst the historic streets and modern architecture, the underground techno culture thrives, giving birth to a unique way of life. Photographer and Berghain bouncer Mischa Fanghaenel takes us on a captivating journey into this world with his solo portrait exhibition, “NACHTS – A Glimpse into Berlin’s Club Culture,” debuting at AchtBerlin during Berlin Art Week.
Mischa Fanghaenel’s dual identity as a bouncer and a photographer might seem like an unconventional pairing, but for him, it’s a harmonious blend of contrasting worlds. He describes it as a balance between the loud, bustling realm of the nightclub and the serene solitude of capturing moments through the lens. This balance culminates in “NACHTS,” where his photography transcends documentation and becomes an immersive artistic experience.
The exhibition, which starts with an exclusive Vernissage on September 13th and ends with a public Finissage on the 17th, features 175 portraits of personalities from Berlin’s techno scene. Fanghaenel’s portraits are more than mere photographs; they evolve, disintegrate, and converge into mesmerising works of art, mirroring the pulsating energy of Berlin’s techno clubs.
Displayed against the concrete walls of AchtBerlin’s Lichthof, these portraits are printed on brushed aluminum, a choice made for its unique ability to render images without reflections. The deep, velvety blacks and enhanced contrasts draw viewers into the images, replicating the dynamic interplay of light and shadow found in the city’s techno clubs.
Mischa Fanghaenel’s artistic vision for “NACHTS” beautifully encapsulates the essence of Berlin’s techno culture: “In a sea of dancers, you first see the crowd, but as you look closer, you see individuals, characters, and faces come to life. NACHTS mirrors this crowd; blending everything yet revealing glimpses of distinct movements and faces in each individual portrait.”
In a unique twist, the exhibition includes video-format portraits displayed on a 7-meter-wide screen in the venue’s cinema. Alongside these visuals are personal notes and interviews featuring techno-DJ legends Len Faki, Ben Klock, and Patrick Mason, offering a glimpse into the future of digital art and new artistic expression. These video artworks are available through Beatport’s new digital marketplace beatport.io, with “NACHTS” serving as its inaugural digital collectible.
“NACHTS” is not just an art exhibition; it’s a multisensory journey that bridges the gap between visual art and electronic music, making it an unparalleled event in the Berlin Art Week lineup. It invites a discerning audience, transcending traditional art circles, to experience the vibrant culture that defines Berlin.