DRIFT is a group exhibition by seminar participants of the Ostkreuz School of Photography under the direction of Ina Schoenenburg. During their one-year project period, the participants went from the most private to the edges of social reality in their respective works. The results of their explorations are shown at Kunstraum Bethanien, Berlin, from February 28 through March 1, 2020.

PRESENTATION OF ALL SERIES

Johanna Bürger
In Between

In her work “In Between” Johanna Bürger explores her biographical origins and the relationship between identity and inconsistency in her personality. Using haunting still lifes and self-portraits, she explores the intangible fluctuations between gender, identity and the attributions of her generation. For Johanna Bürger it’s all about the search for safety and self-empowerment – wrapped up in a life.

Xiao Chen
Together

“Would the time left for us be a good time…”

“Together no more loneliness. Together no more fear. Together no more fear of death…”

According to a very conservative estimation, around 1.8 million gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersexuall(LSBTI) elderly live in Germany (Ministry For Social Affairs of Lower Saxony). However, little is known about this group.

“Together” is a series about a gay couple: Horst (80) and Leopold(60), they have been together for almost 15 years. This series is a tiny vignette of their daily life, with the focus on the mutual support, on their vulnerability, but also resilience they have developed in their biographies.

Petra Dachtler
Alexandrowka

The Russian Colony, a model village in Russian style founded by the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm III in 1826 in Potsdam, attracts tourists with its romantic setting. But who lives behind these wooden facades? Petra Dachtler portrays some of the inhabitants in their private surroundings, presenting a close up view of their lives between daily routine and historical heritage.

Charlotte Jung
between land and sea

Charlotte Jung’s series “Between land and sea” returns to the gloomy, empty, nordic landscapes of her childhood.
She rediscovers on her search through dark autumn days familiar moods that feel like home.

Jürgen Keiper
Periphery

From the center to the periphery. This is the movement of this series of images: spaces on the outskirts of Berlin, depictions of life situations and moods. Contemporary vanishing points and seemingly long-forgotten biographies can all be found here. The periphery becomes the center.

Isabel Kittler
The Village

Just 100 km north of Berlin, but utterly different, with its own customs and traditions. Scorned, judged and alienated by urbanites who view the world through their own preconceptions. The coexistence of these two worlds is however, real and possible. The photographer wishes to show us this other world. Inquisitive. With humility.

Mirko Lux
Long Afternoons

In his work “Long Afternoons” Mirko Lux went in search of childhood summer scenes, days that never seem to end, lapsing afternoons and lingering twilights.

Anastasia Lobanova
In person.

There are many reasons why travelling for work is effective. Possibly, it is better to be face-to-face for this particular meeting, or to be in your project location in person. Over the past year I have (too) frequently travelled for work to distant places, changing dramatically time zones, airports and locations. These photos are my observations of moody and absurd locations I was finding myself at, locations which changed so fast, blending all in one, surreal, dreamy place, too far away from my home.

Anja Maier
Two

Anja Maier’s work “Two” explores the question of what connects a couple after thirty years together. What remains vibrant when two people emerge from decades spent hustling between children, jobs and improvisation, who from now on have time for each other.

Věra Öztürk
Silent Traces

Věra Öztürk’s work “Silent Traces” documents artefacts of the most private. When a child dies before or shortly after birth, the parents have few memories. Little things like a rattle or never worn socks become treasures that give children a safe place in memories and thus here on Earth.

Michael O’Ryan
Close to Home

The oddness and luxury of the everyday, a few unplanned moments that reveal a piece of a bigger picture.

Katya Romanova
In your face

Katya portrays Berlin teenagers and asks them to use simple visual prompts and show what kind of issues and thoughts they are facing in their everyday life. They commonly ask themselves questions about self-expression, exposed expectations, relationships with others and social issues that affect their lives. How do they see me? How do I want to look in social media? Will I be well received? What can I do against bullying and discrimination? What and who can support me? Katya creates a portrait of Berlin youth who is open, daring, provocative, sensitive and playful. Inspiration: Faina Yunusova, #100daysofQuestions.

Vincent Wechselberger
When I come to visit

Vincent Wechselberger portrays his young, queer friends, who are searching for and asserting their respective places in today’s society. His photos were created in a safe space, a protected place of intimacy and closeness.

Feb 28 — Mar 1, 2020
Opening Reception: Thursday, Feb 27, 7 pm

Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie
@ Kunstquartier Bethanien | Studio 1

Mariannenplatz 2, 10997 Berlin
[District: Kreuzberg | Borough: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg]

Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 8 pm

Admission free