In the labyrinth of Berlin club culture, labels and limitations disappear. For over 30 years, this city has been a refuge for those seeking freedom and reinvention. The club scene is more than just an escape; it’s a gateway to a new reality where you can define yourself on your terms. Whether you come to dance, to connect, or simply to be, you’ll find a community that welcomes every part of who you are. Here, the dance floor is a sanctuary of possibility, where freedom is not just an idea but something you can feel.

When Benita Suchodrev moved to Berlin in 2008, she was immediately drawn to the city’s vibrant nightlife and to the rich variety of social groups within that milieu. It was here that she began documenting the unique energy of the city’s nightlife through her lens.

“My life in Berlin is inseparable from this body of work. I discovered the city in the process of taking these photographs,” says Suchodrev. Her long-term study has evolved over time, capturing the essence of a city that never sleeps. On 10 October 2024, the exhibition Le bal infernal will open at Fotografiska Berlin, including works from Suchodrev’s archives, as well as new works being shown for the first time.

Suchodrev shoots intuitively, often capturing moments from the hip to avoid altering the natural flow of events by pointing her camera too deliberately. In situations where permission to be photographed is required, she relies on a personal approach to gain the trust of her subjects.

“To really enjoy a party, I need my camera. I get a rush when I photograph people being authentic and having a good time,” she explains. For Suchodrev, each subject has a story, and her photos reflect the hidden narratives behind every fleeting expression or glance. Each shot offers the chance to imagine the untold stories behind the faces.

“Like a dream, there’s a certain madness and magic to it all: the neurotic flicker of neon lights, the dissolution of the self in a trance to a sinister beat or acting out bliss with a stranger on a shabby couch in a smoke-filled room. Beneath the party facade, these moments speak to a deeper part of the human condition: the endless longing to feel physically and spiritually free.” – Benita Suchodrev

Berlin's nightlife, with its ever-evolving club culture, mirrors the city’s constant transformation. It thrives in the inbetween spaces – places that offer freedom by escaping the established order outside their walls. Whether it’s the choice to hide behind a mask or strip away all pretense, break social barriers, or embrace hedonism, Suchodrev’s long-term study Le bal infernal captures the fleeting moments and unique characters that define the soul of Berlin. These spaces, however, are not to be taken for granted. Her images remind us of the importance of preserving such environments of freedom and expression, which allow us to briefly escape the outside world and emerge stronger for it.

“I can’t think of a better place to showcase this work than Fotografiska,” says Suchodrev, “because it represents Berlin’s past, present, and future.”

What images come to mind when you think of cruising; the anonymous, consensual sexual encounters of mostly gay men in public spaces? The photographer Lukas Städler was fascinated by this scene and at the same time confused by it. He simply had to discover it in a very personal way. His Hain series challenges the conventional notions of cruising by capturing romantic moments with naked men in idyllic natural settings. With his view through the camera, Städler breaks through stereotypes and offers a new perspective.

"Two years ago, I started portraying crusing spots in Berlin. Places where gay men meet for a short time to have anonymous, consensual sex. These places in the city's forests or in public parks, such as Tiergarten or Hasenheide, are often only a few meters away from the paths. My intention was to convey a romantic idea of these situations, which initially confused me. I realized that this work is a kind of self-portrait for me, which allows me to reflect on personal issues related to loving and aging." - Lukas Städler

Städler's ongoing project began with frequent visits to these places. It took him over a year to take his first photo. During this time, he met people from various age groups and social backgrounds. Only after he had gained the trust of his protagonists was he allowed to capture and share these intimate moments. With Hain, Städler offers an insight into the hidden Berlin - a part of the cityscape that is often invisible.

Crusing began at a time when homosexual people could not come out and there were no public places where they could live out their sexuality. Parks and other urban spaces such as Berlin's Tiergarten became places for private encounters. Nowadays, the cruising scene has evolved thanks to dating apps. Nevertheless, these physical places remain a part of the city. Against this backdrop, Städler's photography is a medium for expressing queer identity. The term grove evokes a small, peaceful wood or copse that stands for a special or sacred place.

Arles: capital of photography

Arles becomes the capital of photography every summer. With its internationally recognized festival "Les Rencontres d'Arles", the small town in the south of France, located on the banks of the Rhône near the Camargue, has been welcoming photographers, artists and enthusiasts from all over the world since 1970 to discover, exchange and be inspired by a rich and eclectic program of contemporary photography for a summer. WhiteWall is pleased to support various projects on the fringes of the Rencontres.

Circulation(s): The European festival for young European photography

With an ambitious selection and an exciting programme, Circulation(s), organized by the Fetart collective, has established itself as one of the most important events on the European photography scene. Bringing together exhibitions, workshops, portfolio readings and encounters with artists in a single, trendy location in the heart of Paris, Circulation(s) offers a varied, innovative and high-quality program aimed at all photography enthusiasts and beyond.