Berlin has some of the best clubs in the world, but that’s only part of the lives of the city’s radical youth. George Nebieridze is the photographer documenting young Berliners in their intimate spaces and capturing those unique and fleeting Berlin moments of sexual experimentation and intellectual freedom. In his latest publication entitled “‘15” (Apostrophe Fifteen), the Georgian-born artist compiles snaps of his life over the course of 2015, even if he doesn’t feature in any of the photos. “I’m actively involved in all activities and cultural happenings that are shown in my photographs,” George says. “Most of the people on photos are friends and I have various connections with each of them.” The selection focuses on a combination of underground lifestyle with sexual liberation and abstract fragments of industrial design and manufacturing in the German capital.
Stating that photography is the best way for him to express himself, Nebieridze never stages photographs (unless he is commissioned to do so). The photographer’s candid approach to shooting results in images of genuine experiences, ones in which honest connections between people and actual associations with places are obvious. This is why his work is so relatable.
“Moving to Berlin acted as some kind of a rescue to me and made me excited about things that I never felt before.” – George Nebieridze
Nebieridze’s pursuit of straightforward photography stems from his conservative upbringing in post-Soviet Georgia. Growing up in a country where “sexual revolution hasn’t happened yet”, the photographer felt a huge change in his work upon moving to Berlin. Feeling free in an environment where the sexism, racism and homophobia he experienced at home wasn’t as extreme, Nebieridze states: “It’s like generating a whole new angle of my career”. This, combined with a long time passion for visual arts, colours and shapes has resulted in this project that examines fragments of everyday life in timeless style.
George Nebieridze, ’15
All imagery is courtesy of the artist
’15 is available to purchase online here