Berlin-based artist Mischa Fanghaenel will present the Blurred series at the 13th edition of Berlin Art Week. The exhibition is set to run from September 7 to 15, at Hallen 05.
Address: Wilhelm Hallen, Kopenhagener Str. 60-72, 13407 Berlin
Poland / Angular; printed on aluminum
Blurred is a series of photographs, taken in a span of 15 years, that explore the themes of perception and reality, a must-see during Berlin Art Week at the Hallen 05 Art Festival.
His Blurredseries presents a unique exploration of pictorial abstraction through color photography, capturing the essence of urban life at night. By focusing on familiar cityscapes—such as neon lights, street fixtures, and iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate—Fanghaenel transforms these everyday scenes into diffuse, defocused images that evoke a psycho-phenomenological experience of nocturnal existence. The works invite viewers to immerse themselves in the womb-like embrace of the city after dark, where the boundaries between subject and setting dissolve amid spectral light. This series underscores Fanghaenel’s affinity for monochrome aesthetics, offering an introspective look into the sensory realities of life in Berlin’s vibrant nightlife.
“I am looking forward to being part of the Hallen 05 Art Festival, and to showcase alongside notable galleries, collections, and institutions that will participate in this year’s event,” said Fanghaenel.
The Never Ending Fight Artist Talk with Nafir and Mischa Fanghaenel
Sunday 8 September @ 15:00
An exclusive preview will be held for a notable collaboration between renowned street artist Nafir and acclaimed photographer Mischa Fanghaenel. This partnership delves into the intersection of art and activism, highlighting the significance of art in advocating for human rights and revealing hidden beauty in unexpected places. The event will feature a dialogue on these themes, moderated by art journalist Emily McDermott, providing attendees with insights into this thought-provoking fusion of creativity and social consciousness.
Mischa Fanghaenel is a contemporary monochrome artist and photographer renowned for his evocative exploration of urban life through black and white imagery. His work primarily focuses on the human subject, often highlighting musicians, DJs, and various cultural figures from the nightlife scene, particularly within Berlin’s iconic Berghain club. While framed as portraiture, Fanghaenel’s photographs transcend mere identity representation, delving into the cultural and lifestyle insights embodied by his subjects.
His series Blurred, Fanghaenel showcases an innovative approach to pictorial abstraction by capturing urban landscapes illuminated by neon and LED lights. These color photographs transform familiar cityscapes into defocused, abstract images that evoke the immersive experience of life at night, blending the artificial with the cosmos.
In his recent, Nachts, series captures the essence of nocturnal existence through thoughtfully composed studies that reflect both a personal connection and a sense of observational detachment. The images in this series emphasize a chiaroscuro aesthetic, revealing nuanced emotional landscapes and the complexities of social and cultural interactions within the nightlife.
Fanghaenel’s artistic practice is characterized by a keen sensitivity to light, which he employs to create mood and narrative within his monochrome work. He engages in a constant exploration of applied lighting in various contexts, from intimate studio settings to the vibrant nightlife of Berlin, resulting in a rich body of work that reflects both observational detachment and personal affinity.
Looking ahead, Fanghaenel hopes his photography will inspire social change. His forthcoming project on migration aims to redefine the concept of belonging, emphasizing his dedication to crossing barriers and uniting divides through the artistry of visual storytelling. His photography invites viewers to experience the intensity and surreal beauty of the nocturnal world while also engaging with pressing social issues, solidifying his place as a significant voice in contemporary photography.