Another weekend . . . another European city  . . . . and just how exciting Berlin has become.   My last visit was not long after the fall of that Wall and to see the unity between East and West was moving; but this was an Art viewing weekend and we certainly paced the pavement.  Clearly the best way to travel around Berlin is with two wheels and using calorie power only.   Shamefacedly I admit to being driven which enabled us to pack in more galleries, more museums, and more art.  

First stop to Elizabeth Peyton’s paintings which were brilliantly hung in a dilapidated 19th century building that miraculously has survived two wars and the GDR but a perfect setting for her portraits.  

Next stop to Galerie Haas & Fuchs!   To see Art: curated by Michael Craig-Martin.  I am a huge fan of Michael’s and the exhibition was a wonderful selection of many of his former students who had all offered their work for this show.   Amongst my favourite pieces on view were works by Robert Pattinson, Julian Opie, Angus Fairhurst, Sarah Lucas and, although not a student as such, a charming piece by Michael’s daughter Jessica Craig-Martin.

Then on to a party  . . . but not any old party . .  this was Damien’s party at the new Soho House in Berlin.  Great venue, great food and great fun.  No need to mention names but the usual list of revelers were there and the usual impropriety!   There is nothing quite like a room full of creative people to get a buzz going; it feels as if it is literally bouncing off the walls. 

Next day, nursing our hangovers, we visited the Hans Bellmer & Louise Bourgeois Exhibition at Museum Berggruen, Schlossstrasse 1, and this quiet study of the body and its form was reflective.  Had I known that Madame Bourgeois would no longer be with us I would have paid more attention and greater homage.  Damn that hangover.

Olafur Eliasson at Martin-Gropius-Bau had the O.M.G. factor in spades.   Please go see, feel, play and discern.  This was so exciting we visited twice and if time permitted . . . if only. 

From Berlin I leave you with this one quote from the Mayor, Klaus Wovvereit  “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy.” (“Berlin is poor, but sexy.”)

Auf Wiedersehen