Photographing Berlin’s Feminist Noise-Punk Scene.
Punk first gripped me back in Tbilisi, but the approach to it there was darker—teen angst, self-harm, and violence were common themes among young punks there. In Berlin, it feels different, with a focus on caring for each other while making noise against injustice and greed.I initially immersed myself in Berlin’s techno scene but always craved noise. That's when I met Karolina Bartczak and shortly after that she formed URIN. My focus slowly shifted from the techno scene and I started photographing Berlin’s noise-punk underground and URIN with its chaotic energy. They quickly became my bridge to the scene, that’s why they’re so prominent in these photos. I often help them out at the concerts and raves, mostly doing door, since I found myself to be a firm but fair bouncer who's also responsible with the cash. All this helped with connecting with people and gaining their trust, so that when I pulled out my camera, I wasn’t some outsider—I was part of the night.
During the pandemic, Karolina shared that she was marrying someone called Juan Sebastián. I met him soon after when he handed me a warm beer while running a merch table for URIN and a new all-woman band, BRAK, where Karolina plays drums. I've been charmed by Juan Sebastian's friendliness and compassion. These two remain one of my favourite couples and I feel blessed they accept me even at my drunkest moments when I can’t keep my mouth shut.
BRAK is pure raw energy. With Karolina on drums, Sonja on guitar, and Marta on bass, their distorted sound feels like a physical force. Watching them, I realized how many bands in the scene are led by women and queer people. Other great acts that come to mind are Sihir, Cuntroaches, Waxlegs, Phallucipher and Tot Onyx. It’s a space that amplifies those voices, even for people like me—cis men—who are part of it. One of the best things about this scene is that it’s very integrated globally and has close connections with artists from all around the world. Memorable visits include the bands like Glue, The Shits, Special Branch and Polsoja. It’s also deeply political. This community is prominently political and we often find each other on demonstrations around Berlin. It really speaks to me as an artist and a photographer, since I also strongly believe that my work has always been political, it raises the questions on human rights, rights of expression, taxing the rich, helping the unprivileged and fighting against violent evictions by the police states. Being associated with a movement that aligns with my political views gives me a feeling of reassurance and allows me to feel a deeper sense of belonging.
