Do I need to tell you what I think about Berlin or could you figure that one out for yourselves? Berlin is Amazing. The polaroids could tell you that.
I got a young artists’ training award from Liljesonska Stiftelsen in Sweden in May and I used the money to go to Berlin for almost three weeks in September. I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype, I mean, there’s hardly any place as hyped up among artists as Berlin, except for, say, New York (if even). I am happy to report that Berlin turned out to be everything I wanted and more.
I rented a room in a lovely neighbourhood just off Boxhagener Strasse in Friedrichshain. The weather was gorgeous for most of the time. The colours were amazing; the street art, the second hand shops, the flea markets, the galleries, the parks, the neighbourhood cafés… I could go on forever.
I borrowed a bike belonging to the guy I was renting the room from. I cycled along Karl Marx allée with the wind in my hair. I had waffles and ice cream at Glucklich am Park near Rosenthaler Platz. I bought a stack of vinyl records. I visited the lovely Nina Hynes. I went to numerous art galleries and museums. I criss crossed the city in all directions on the U-bahn, S-bahn and metro trams. I had my boyfriend visiting for six days and went with him to the hisitorical sites and museums. I collected old DDR toys and postcards. I went to numerous lovely cafés. I visited Kunstlerhaus Bethanien and Kunsthaus Tascheles. I looked at the view from the Fernsehturm.
I also had time to visit a number of modernist suburbs and developments on both sides of the city. One which looked like the perfect utopian fantasy, complete with a lake, fountain and willow trees. I took loads and loads of pictures that I’ll use for my new paint project.
I felt at home there, it was absolutely amazing. I am eternally gratefull that the award gave me the chance to spend a bit longer in the city, which gave me time to explore the different parts. I am absolutely brimming with inspiration. No place will ever feel quite as cool again after Berlin…