INTERIORS AROUND THE WORLD / DAY 4 -- BERLIN RODEO (Germany)

imagecourtesyberlinrodeo

Peeps,

I've realized that any discussion about design in Germany would be wholly inadequate without acknowledging the superlative level of creativity found in Berlin.  Magazine editors and bloggers rave about the fashion sensibilities of Berliners (both street style and the clothing lines presented on the runways during Fashion Week).  Art critics, dealers, and curators unanimously acknowledge that Berlin's burgeoning art scene is the loci of imaginative, energetic, raw, and uncensored offerings in fine arts, as well as the decorative and applied arts, industrial and graphic design.  Apparently artistic types from all parts of the continent, and as far east as the western frontiers of the former USSR have discovered the attractions of this city situated on the cross-roads between East and West.  Friends of mine who deal in antiques grumble that London has been picked clean, Paris and New York's inventory is too pricey to turn a profit, and the next best thing is shopping in Berlin where it is believed that eventually everything will turn up (if one knows who to contact).  And there is no shortage of 'deals' to be made.


For the sake of brevity, I venture that modern-day Berlin can be loosely defined by the three B's, which are: the Brandenburg Gate, (Georg) Baselitz and the Berghain (club). The stately monument is a gleaming representation of German history (both past and present); the position of Mankind vis-a-vis a world fractured by wars and competing ideologies, as portrayed in Baselitz's monumental, expressive paintings (and sculpture); and lastly (the) Berghain where decadence is celebrated, access down to the Dionysusesque playground strategically controlled, and the balance between mainstream/outsider, local/foreigner, elitist/barbarian carefully monitored by horned/pierced/tattooed/muscled gatekeepers.  Against the backdrop of history, new technology and creativity (as well as the Berliners' 'will-to-power') have made the city one of the most vibrant in the new Europe.


Today's visual treat is from the portfolio of Berlin-based design firm BERLIN RODEO.  Other note-worthy projects can be viewed online at their website, www.berlinrodeo.com. 


Thanks,
Shane


PS:  Today's soundtrack is Nina Hagen's NEW YORK, NEW YORK.