Interview with Sabrina Jeblaoui. Techno subculture—losing yourself in pursuit of authenticity
Music is the soul of the community, or, at least a voice. One which is less censored and, often, protest-tilted — whatever can’t be said with words will be expressed through music.
The liberating power of music unites like-minded people and bands them into subcultures moved by rhythms, feelings and common yet often quite abstract and boundless ideas. It helps one to express their individuality and uniqueness, or, on the contrary, to identify themselves with others.
The techno genre, having once orginated as an underground movement, has now turned into mainstream culture and has lost its ideological roots and context. It attracts thousands of tourists to Berlin and many are encouraged by the chance to join the seemingly underground action and do their best to stand out…
With this project by Sabrina Jebaloui we are invited to look at those united around techno culture in Berlin, perhaps its brightest and most controversial incarnation. Although the images by Jebaloui do not show condemnation in any way, her statement points at the key question about subcultures: aren’t these people losing themselves in pursuit of authenticity?
In this short interview Zak Dimitrov gets deeper into the context: how does the photographer perceive this culture and does she participate in it?
Zak Dimitrov: The notion of being unique and expressing your style to such an extent that you blend in with everyone else being different is very interesting, can you tell us a bit more about it?
Sabrina Jeblaoui: We are all unique beings by default and we have this need to show it. In free spaces such as techno clubs in Berlin, it is possible to dare everything, to cultivate a character, or to reveal a part of one’s personality through fashion and attitude (the way one dances, moves, expresses oneself). However, the need to belong to a group and the fact that fashion has popularized techno culture has naturally led to many people wanting to be unique so much that in the end, they end up looking the same in terms of style. That’s mainstream.
ZD: Did you think it’s important to be part of the scene to document it? Did you go to any raves and partied yourself or do you prefer not taking part?
SJ: Yes, I think it is important. When I arrived in Berlin, I partied quite intensely and it was thanks to this period that I got the idea to do this project. Without it, I don’t think I would have been able to take so many pictures and approach people in this way. I would never have had the understanding of the Berlin techno scene otherwise. In my opinion, you really have to experience it to understand the social norms and the people. However, when I started the project, I had stopped partying for a while and this project allowed me to transition and still keep a deep connection to the scene.
ZD: How do you interact with the people you photograph, do you ask for their permission or do you try to capture more spontaneous scenes?
SJ: Most of the time I ask for permission. Some pictures were taken without but you can’t see people’s faces. I tried not to think too much about who I photographed because I didn’t want to make too subjective a selection. I liked to go to people in a very spontaneous way by making jokes, by asking questions about the party. I like to bring a bit of fun as if I had just come out of a party myself!
… see the NachtClubsBerlin story at stories.mnngful.com:
Jebaloui’s photography is noticeably full of empathy and interest in the world around — something also proven by her own words.
The photographer immerses herself into the culture and is a part of it to some extent, but still deliberately takes the spectator position and inserts herself into this investigation.
What moves such camera-armed people to be there, while staying a bit outside of the action? At mnngful we believe that great documentary and photojournalism are born out of pure curiosity accompanied by unconditional empathy. Join us and support passion-driven, independent photographers.
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