Fotografiska is showing the exhibition Hain by photographer Lukas Städler from 23 August to 9 October 2024.
Image above: © Lukas Städler, VG Bild-Kunst Bonn, Dittrich & Schlechtriem 2024
His Hain series challenges conventional notions of cruising by capturing romantic moments with naked men in idyllic natural settings. Städler’s view through the camera breaks stereotypes and offers a new perspective.
What images come to mind when you think of cruising; the anonymous, consensual sexual encounters of mostly gay men in public spaces? The photographer Lukas Städler was fascinated by this scene and at the same time confused by it. He simply had to discover it in a very personal way.
‘Two years ago, I started portraying crusing spots in Berlin. Places where gay men meet for a short time to have anonymous, consensual sex. These places in the city’s forests or in public parks, such as Tiergarten or Hasenheide, are often only a few metres away from the paths. My intention was to convey a romanticised idea of these situations, which initially confused me. I realised that this work is a kind of self-portrait for me, which allows me to reflect on personal issues relating to love and ageing.’ – Lukas Städler
Städler’s ongoing project began with frequent visits to these places. It took him over a year to take his first photo. During this time, he met people from different age groups and social backgrounds. Only after he had gained the trust of his protagonists was he allowed to capture and share these intimate moments.
capture and share these intimate moments.
With Hain, Städler offers an insight into the hidden Berlin – a part of the cityscape that is often invisible.
Crusing began at a time when homosexual people could not come out and there were no public places where they could live out their sexuality. Parks and other urban spaces such as Berlin’s Tiergarten became places for private encounters.
Nowadays, the cruising scene has evolved thanks to dating apps. Nevertheless, these physical places remain a part of the city. Against this backdrop, Städler’s photography is a medium for expressing queer identity. The term grove evokes a small, peaceful wood or copse that stands for a special or sacred place.
The exhibition opens on 22 August 2024 and is part of our talent programme Emerging Berlin, which supports photographers in the early stages of their careers.
LUKAS STÄDLER
Lukas Städler (born 1992, Buchholz in der Nordheide) is a German photographer. After studying Fashion Design at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Fine Arts at the Berlin University of the Arts and Photography at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie Berlin, he currently lives and works in Berlin. His last exhibition Ouvertüre was shown in 2024 at Galerie Dittrich & Schlechtriem, which is also currently representing him.
The exhibition is organised by Marina Paulenka (Director of Exhibitions) and Marie-Luise Maye.
ABOUT FOTOGRAFISKA
Fotografiska is the museum for contemporary photography, art and culture. With locations in Stockholm, Berlin, New York, Tallinn and Shanghai, Fotografiska exhibits world-renowned artists and local emerging talents. The exhibitions change almost every month to provide new perspectives.
From restaurant and bar to parties and talks, the museum offers a social and cultural experience – open daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
WHEN?
Opening: Thursday, 22 August 2024, 6.00 pm
Duration: Monday, 23 August – Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 11 pm.
WHERE?
Fotografiska
Oranienburger Str. 54
10117 Berlin
