On the eve of the 25-year anniversary celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall, Gestalten and photo agency bobsairport are excited to present a photographic exhibition for the sixth annual European Month of Photography depicting the anarchic years that cemented Berlin’s reputation as a place of extraordinary freedom and creative self-expression. Entitled Berlin Wonderland: Wild Years Revisited 1990–1996, the exhibition follows the recent Gestalten release of the same name and will feature pictures from the book, as well as some previously unpublished images, all available for purchase.

In the early years of the German reunification, Berlin-Mitte was a city district dropped out of time. Empty streets, abandoned buildings, a no-man’s land situated right at the new heart of the city just waiting to be claimed. The breakdown of the former GDR left a temporary lawlessness in its wake that artists, punks, squatters and visionaries were quick to use to their creative advantage. It is fascinating to reflect on the striking photography of Berlin Wonderland and think that these riotous years in fact laid the foundation for the sleek gallery and exclusive shopping district that Mitte has today become.

Curated by Anke Fesel and Chris Keller of bobsairport, a Berlin photo agency representing mainly photographers from the city, the exhibition takes places at the Gestalten Space, fittingly located right at the centre of this once fledgling scene of clubs, bars, techno parties, and galleries. The exhibition is an opportunity to take in the visual story of an extraordinary time in Berlin alongside protagonists of the defining era and purchase pictures by photographers including Ben de Biel, Hendrik Rauch, Philipp von Recklinghausen, Stefan Schilling, Hilmar Schmundt, Andreas Trogisch and Rolf Zöllner.

About the Book

Berlin Wonderland: Wild Years Revisited, 1990-1996
Edited by: Anke Fesel, Chris Keller  /  bobsairport
Price: € 29.90 (D)
More Info: shop.gestalten.com/berlin-wonderland
Website: berlin-wonderland.de