I’d just like to highlight something really cool for your attention that I came across today. Berlin Wonderland is a project and book which documents previously unseen imagery from the period in time immediately after the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.
During this time, subcultures blossomed in the middle of Berlin. Artists, punks, squatters and anarchists explored and made their home in the decaying buildings that people had left behind. Creativity emerged and bred — a truly fascinating scene of events (wish you were there?).
The Berlin Wonderland website also features some pretty interesting short biographies of those involved in the scene and what they got up to; the shows they took part in, the bands they performed with, the photography they took; and more.
If like me social and cultural history interests you then I would highly recommend having a gander at this. I think you’ll agree that these are among some of the most interesting people around (to me, anyway!) and how art in all forms flourishes in the aftermath of an era of restrictions is extremely captivating.
The project allows you a sneaky view back in time to an era where you could transform yourself into anything you wanted to be; rising from the ashes of a dislocated, divided Berlin. It lets you feel, just for a moment, the rush of excitement at the seemingly endless creative opportunities those involved must have felt. If there ever was a time for wild imaginations and inspirations anew; Berlin 1990–1996 was it. This is a time when a city was reborn, free to become something totally uninhibited; and anyone travelling to Berlin today can still see the impact of this creativity.
The following is really interesting video that I saw shared on social media which discusses the project and the creativity that took place:
If you are in Berlin at the moment, Berlin Wonderland are putting on an exhibition with the book from today until the 16 November 2014: Berlin Wonderland: Wild Years Revisited 1990–1996, which you can check out here. Please also check out their website for more information about the book.
Permission has been obtained by Berlin Wonderland to use imagery from the website and video by Gestalten. This post was written by me entirely of my own accord.
