At Long Last, Our Berlin Trip
It's been a while since our last post. I was busy from mid-November to December with work and was unable to update the website, but at long last, I can finally show you our trip to Berlin in September. Please see my diary posts back then to see the places I went to, and the people I met. Click here for the Berlin diary!
The strongest impression I got from Berlin was the enormous number of galleries, ateliers and art spaces. I reckon that Tokyo pales in comparison regarding the square meter of art space per citizen. There are also a lot of constructions sites, and the whole city was emitting a strange buzz. Today, I will introduce some new faces on either side of the River Spree, as well as a summertime-only open-air club that has popped up in an open field.

Guest: Guy in charge of the board in Kasukabe
The very first guest of our Berlin series is Mr. Sueda, who I held deep discussions with every day during ARS Electronica 2003, and is appearing on AAL for the first time. I really like Mr. Sueda and his partner Mr. Ishii's "Communication Grill/ Changu-tei". In fact, I'm a pretty big fan. For information about this piece, please go to Mr. Sueda's website from the guest page.
I conducted this interview at night, while drinking in a bar, due to my hectic schedule. However, as the place was too noisy, we ended up going to a park in Ochanomizu, near Kandamyoujin. I had recorded about half of the interview in the brisk evening breeze, when my laptop ran out of battery! Under such terrible circumstances, Mr. Sueda kindly re-did the interview in a caf_ in Ochanomizu the next day. I'm glad he seemed to enjoy it though.

A sculpture made of glass and bricks. It looks light, as if floating on the water...

Radicalsystem V is a new art space along the River Spree that runs through the center of Berlin. It's a remodeled and expanded 19th century drainage factory. According to the coordinator, Nomura, this area around Haltzmarkt street is gaining hype as a new art scene.

Radicalsystem opened on September 9th, and we were able to report on the opening party. Apparently the event was much anticipated because the organizer is the husband of dance choreographer, Sasha Waltz, not that I know much about it. Sasha danced at the opening, but unfortunately it had already ended by the time we went... a shame. The space was very comfortable, with high ceilings and a deck facing the River Spree, and people would listen to the music lying down.

The city of Berlin really does have a lot of galleries and art spaces. The reason why this building in particular is gaining attention is because it’s all privately owned. Focusing on sound art and performances, the venue will be involved in everything from the production through to the release of artwork.

Radialsystem
Address:Holzmarktstr. 3310243 Berlin
Di - So, 12.00 - 19.00 Uhr
http://www.radialsystem.de/

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I spoke briefly to one of the directors, Folkert Uhde. What is so different about Radicalsystem, which stands in the center of Berlin?

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After arriving in Berlin from Austria, we visited Kubik that night. Kubik is an open-air club that utilizes vacant land. It's only open for 2 months during mid-July to mid-September, so it's closed right now. Please go if it's open next year.

Kubik
Address : Kopenicker strasse 36 Berlin
http://www.kubikberlin.de/
* Currently closed. Please check again next summer.

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The three girls of Kubik, reminiscent of the three Charlie's Angels. Although the three are quite different, they are equally cute. They planned the Kubik project together, organizing the architects and lighting designers to bring it to completion. They're also at the bar. I reckon the beer tastes especially good here because they're always standing there, in the shining angular space.

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