Andrea's trip to Berlin - Summer 2006

II-BC-31-0

This is a photograph taken at the Zentral Flughafen – the Tempelhof Airport. The airport opened in 1923, with simply a wooden administration building and two wooden hangars. A major expansion occurred between 1924 and 1927. Although Soviet troops occupied the airport in April of 1945, the Americans took over the airport in July of that same year.

I have visited this airport three times, and each time grew to appreciate it a bit more. The first time I saw it, I just thought it was ugly. The second time I visited, I still thought it was ugly, but enjoyed some features on the inside, particularly the sign on the restaurant (see next photo). During my third visit, I became more aware of details. Instead of photographing large views of the airport – which is an overwhelming structure – I looked for smaller pieces.

This photograph was taken of a wall on the South side of the front driveway. It is full of details and raises many questions. What does II-BC-31-0 represent? Is it a numbered storage area? Or perhaps, at some point in history, did it lead to a top secret area? When was this area of the airport built? It is clear that electricity was connected to this site at some point – but for what purpose? Lights, alarm, something else? It appears that patchwork and maintenance were performed here numerous times. At what point were the electrical features removed and the maintenance no longer necessary? I suspect a very long time ago.

Behind each door, and in fact behind each stone brink, there is a story. Although this building did not appeal to me at first sight, I am still curious about its history.

The restaurant in the Tempelhof Airport.

Entertaining trees

This is a photograph of the Columbia Halle. It looks deserted, as there was no one in the building any of the three times I visited. Further, it looks dishevelled. There is litter on the ground and the light over the ticket booth appears to be knocked out. However, I discovered that indeed, concerts are still booked at this venue. This fact makes me curious to see the inside.

I can imagine that in the days when soldiers lived in Tempelhof Airport, leaving that stark, overwhelming building to catch a movie or concert at Columbia Halle would have felt like a vacation – even a short escape from reality.

Of the many photographs I took of this building, what appeals to me about this one is that the lush trees bring life back into a structure that at first sight appeared deserted. The worn-down feeling of the building is illustrated by the drainpipes, which appear on the left to be separating from the building and falling off. However, it almost feels as though the tree is taking over the building – so perhaps not bringing new life to it, but taking possession of it.

Artists paradise
This is a photograph of the exterior of the 30 Links art gallery at 30 SolmStrasse, which is near the corner of BergmannStrasse. The entrance is not on the street. On the street-side, there are clean, colorful, metal signs advertising five galleries. The galleries themselves are in a courtyard, behind the street-side. This is called a Hinterhof.

I was attracted to this area as soon as I discovered it. As I walk down the hallway toward the courtyard, there is a colorful kite hanging from the ceiling. It reminds visitors to look in every direction – not just straight ahead. Off to the right is a charming stairway leading up into the building. I can imagine it would be perfect for an artist to live above her gallery. The courtyard is completely grown-over. There is a full ceiling of tree branches and vines. In the center of the courtyard is a birdbath – but with no water. I suspect the birds do just fine up in the vines.

Of the five galleries, 30 Links drew my attention first. I love the beam with the old style lantern. In the top right hand corner of the photo, there is an open window. There was a woman inside – perhaps the artist? I asked if I could take photographs, and she smiled and nodded. People have been much more willing to get photographed than I expected.

The gallery has a sign posted on the door, advertising “Radierwerkstatt,” “Buchbinderei,” and “Grafikbüro.” Clearly, this artist is multi-talented and keeps busy.

My perception of this area is that it is a creative, safe, calm place to work and create art. All the businesses in the courtyard are art galleries, which appealed to me. I imagine these five artists are friends and support each other. In this neighborhood, from August 6th through September 3rd, there will be an “Open Air Gallery” to showcase the work of the local artists. I will make every effort to visit before I leave Berlin.

I still don't know what I'm doing, but I like this shot too. I guess I'm into bicycles.

I have no idea what I'm doing. I've been using this new camera for less than one week. But, I liked this bicycle shot.

complimentary colors

Just practicing using this new digital camera.