Friday, July 28, 2006
Assignment #9: on the Templehof tour - July 27, 2006
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.
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.
