Friedrich-Ebert-Schule, one of the many architectural landmarks in Luckenwalde.
Around 60km south of Berlin, there’s the quiet town of Luckenwalde, nestled in green forest and situated along the Nuthe river. Located in the former East German state of Brandenburg, the town made a name for itself in the early twentieth century as a leading manufacturer of hats—today the factory, with its angular, Expressionist-style roof, designed by German architect Erich Mendelsohn in 1923, is just one of many unused and abandoned buildings in the town. But now Luckenwalde is gaining renown once more as a former coal station—which was built in 1913 and provided the town and beyond with electricity for over 60 years—is opening its doors as a contemporary art gallery and artist studio space.
On Saturday 14 September E-Werk, founded by German artist Pablo Wendel and his partner Helen Turner, will open with exhibitions by Nicolas Deshayes, Lucy Joyce, and the Power Night performance programme featuring Nora Turato. Not only will the one-time coal station host art shows, but tomorrow evening the space will resume its original function. For the first time since the plant’s closure after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, electricity will be generated. The renewable and sustainable electricity produced will be transmitted to the national grid and used to power the art centre.
We sent Berlin-based photographer Bastian Thiery to photograph the town on the eve of the gallery and power station’s grand opening. See the story below.
The original ornamental window over the E-WERK entrance door.
Two retirees enjoying the community garden of a large building complex.
Gazaleh and Ansieh in their beauty salon.
An abandoned building on the outskirts of Luckenwalde.
Manito, rapper living in Luckenwalde.
Pablo Wendel and Helen Turner, the artistic directors of E-WERK.
Besides Alpakas, the Tierpark Luckenwalde hosts monkeys, bears, meerkats and many more animals.
Roxi, at the bus station in Luckenwalde.
Jüterboger Str. In Luckenwalde.
Mendelsohnhalle, a former hat workshop designed by Bauhaus architect Mendelssohn.
Friedrich-Ebert-Schule, one of the many architectural landmarks in Luckenwalde.
Jan, carpenter apprentice, helped building the dome at the E-WERK as a volunteer.
E-WERK Luckenwalde will open as a Kunststrom power station and contemporary art centre on 14 September.
All photography by Bastian Thiery.