In a unique collaboration, Berghain bouncer Sven Marquardt, renowned DJ Marcel Dettmann, and visual artist Lars Murasch have come together to create an immersive audio-visual photography exhibition in Istanbul. This exciting project, titled NACHTBLENDE, will showcase Marquardt’s collection of club photography, focusing on the vibrant nightlife and subcultures of Berlin over the past 25 years. With support from the Goethe-Institut Istanbul, the exhibition will take place at the prestigious city venue, Yapı Kredi bomontiada. The opening night on Thursday, 9th November promises to be a memorable event, with a special live performance by Marcel Dettmann and Lars Murasch’s ‘Slide‘ project. The exhibition aims to transport visitors into the captivating world of Berlin’s nightlife, capturing the essence of its unique and ever-evolving spirit.
The Evolution of Berlin’s Nightlife
Berlin has long been renowned for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. From the crumbling walls of the city’s abandoned buildings to the pulsating beats of underground clubs, the German capital has become a mecca for partygoers and music enthusiasts from around the world. Sven Marquardt’s NACHTBLENDE exhibition provides a unique glimpse into the evolution of this iconic nightlife through his captivating club photography. Over the past 25 years, Marquardt has documented the subcultures and characters that have shaped Berlin’s nightlife, capturing the raw energy and creativity that permeates the city’s underground scene.
Each photograph in the exhibition tells a story, offering a window into a world that is often hidden from the mainstream. Marquardt’s lens captures the sweat-drenched dancefloors, the gritty backrooms, and the intimate moments shared between friends and strangers. Through his photography, he invites viewers to experience the spirit of Berlin’s nightlife and to reflect on the role it plays in shaping the city’s identity.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a selected work from East Berlin circa 1987, offering a glimpse into the city’s nightlife during the era of the Berlin Wall. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s tumultuous past and the resilience of its subcultures. It showcases the underground spirit that persisted even in the face of political and social challenges, laying the foundation for the vibrant nightlife scene that Berlin is known for today.
The Immersive Experience of ‘Slide’
Marcel Dettmann and Lars Murasch’s ‘Slide’ project is an integral part of the NACHTBLENDE exhibition, providing an immersive audio-visual experience for visitors. ‘Slide’ is a digital image composition that combines Dettmann’s pulsating beats with Murasch’s captivating visuals. Together, they create a multisensory journey that transports viewers into the heart of Berlin’s nightlife.
The ‘Slide’ performance, which will take place on the opening night of the exhibition, promises to be a truly unique experience. Dettmann’s masterful DJ skills will be accompanied by Murasch’s visually stunning projections, creating a symbiotic relationship between sound and image. As the beats reverberate through the venue, the visuals will dance across the walls, enveloping the audience in a mesmerizing display of light and sound.
The Impact of NACHTBLENDE
The NACHTBLENDE exhibition not only celebrates the vibrant nightlife of Berlin but also highlights the role that subcultures and creativity play in shaping cities around the world. By showcasing Marquardt’s club photography, the exhibition provides a platform for the voices and stories of those who often go unheard.
The collaboration between Marquardt, Dettmann, and Murasch brings together three artistic visionaries who have each made their mark on Berlin’s nightlife. By combining their talents, they create an exhibition that goes beyond the realm of traditional photography, offering an immersive and multisensory experience that engages the audience on a deeper level. In a world that often seeks to categorize and divide, NACHTBLENDE serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of embracing diversity.
As the NACHTBLENDE exhibition prepares to open its doors in Istanbul, visitors can expect to be transported into the captivating world of Berlin’s nightlife. Sven Marquardt’s club photography provides a glimpse into the evolution of the city’s subcultures, while Marcel Dettmann and Lars Murasch’s ‘Slide’ project offers an immersive audio-visual experience like no other. Through this collaboration, the exhibition celebrates the power of creativity, diversity, and community, reminding us of the transformative role that nightlife can play in shaping cities and individuals alike. NACHTBLENDE is free to visit and open between 9th and 26th November, 10.00 – 19.00 every day except Mondays.Â
