Sven Marquardt, Berlin's most famous nightlife figure and the legendary bouncer of the renowned Berghain club, is showcasing his photography work at Haus der Visionäre during Art Week. The photographer, known for his strict door policy at one of the world's most exclusive techno clubs, sat down for an interview to discuss Berlin's transformation, his artistic pursuits, and the ongoing cultural divisions between East and West Germany.
The interview took place on a rooftop terrace in Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, where both Marquardt and the journalist worked together to clean off wet beer benches after a recent rainfall. This simple gesture reflected Marquardt's down-to-earth personality despite his intimidating public persona. Following the conversation, he filmed the spectacular city view from the terrace and later shared it on his Instagram account, showing his appreciation for Berlin's urban landscape.
During the discussion, Marquardt addressed the persistent East-West tensions that continue to simmer in German society decades after reunification. "This East-West thing has really boiled up again," he observed, referring to the cultural and social divisions that still influence contemporary German politics and society. He reflected on how the loss of identity experienced during the reunification period continues to have lasting effects on people from the former East Germany.
"I try to protect myself from complaining about Berlin," Marquardt explained, despite acknowledging the significant changes the city has undergone since his early days there. His perspective offers a unique viewpoint from someone who has witnessed Berlin's transformation from a divided city to a global cultural hub, particularly in the electronic music and nightlife scenes.
The conversation also touched on his experiences beyond Berlin, including references to New York and even seemingly mundane topics like Krügerol throat lozenges, demonstrating the wide-ranging nature of their discussion. Marquardt's photography exhibition during Art Week represents another facet of his artistic identity beyond his role as Berghain's gatekeeper, showcasing his visual documentation of Berlin's underground culture and nightlife scene.
