Unveiling Intimacy: Lukas Städler’s Hain at Fotografiska Berlin

Photographer Lukas Städler delves into the enigmatic world of cruising—a realm of anonymous, consensual encounters—shedding new light on its romantic and human facets. His series “Hain” challenges typical perceptions, capturing tender moments of naked male subjects in idyllic natural settings. Through his lens, Städler dismantles stereotypes and offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective.

Duration: Until 9.10.2024

Fotografiska Berlin – Oranienburger Str. 54
10117 Berlin berlin.fotografiska.com/en

“About two years ago, I began to document cruising spots in Berlin—places where gay men usually meet for brief, anonymous sexual interaction. These locations, often hidden in the forests or public parks like Tiergarten and Hasenheide, lie just meters from pedestrian paths. I aimed to present a romantic vision of scenarios that initially bewildered me. By conversing with different men and experiencing their varied intimacies, I realized this work is a self-portrait, reflecting my personal questions about love and ageing,” explains Lukas Städler.

This ongoing project started with Städler’s frequent visits to these locations. It took him over a year to capture his first photograph, developing trust and connections with people from diverse age groups and social backgrounds. Through these personal interactions, he was invited to share intimate moments.

“Hain” unveils a hidden Berlin, revealing a cityscape often unseen. Cruising emerged when gay individuals couldn’t openly express their sexuality, finding refuge in parks like Berlin’s Tiergarten for private encounters. Although dating apps have transformed the scene, these physical spaces remain integral to the city’s landscape. Städler’s photography captures queer identity in these special settings. The title “Hain” evokes a tranquil grove or thicket, symbolizing a sacred place.

This exhibition is part of our Emerging Berlin talent program, which supports photographers at the inception of their careers.

#EmergingBerlin #LukasStädler
@lokkas @fotografiska.berlin

ABOUT EMERGING BERLIN
Berlin is a city full of stories, history and change. To empower the local artist community and discover new sides of Berlin, Fotografiska has launched a talent program – Emerging Berlin – where photographers at the early stage of their careers are given the space to exhibit. Selected through an open call for proposals, the program will exhibit six artists per year in Fotografiska Berlin’s graffiti hall. The exhibiting artists receive a solo exhibition, mentorship, press and media opportunities, and direct professional exchange with experts from the field. The program will also include workshops and portfolio reviews open to the public, to continue to support local talent. Emerging Berlin is a program devoted to researching, supporting and showcasing new voices from Berlin.

ABOUT FOTOGRAFISKA
Fotografiska is the contemporary museum of photography, art and culture. With locations in Stockholm, Berlin, New York, Tallinn and Shanghai, Fotografiska exhibits world-renowned artists as well as local, emerging talent. Exhibitions change almost every month to continuously inspire new perspectives. From its restaurants and bars to its parties and talks, the museum offers a social and cultural experience – open late every day, from 10:00 to 23:00.