Lukas Städler: Hain

What images come to mind when you think of cruising; the anonymous, consensual sexual encounters of mostly gay men in public spaces?

– Lukas Städler: Hain, 2022-ongoing

The photographer Lukas Städler was fascinated by this scene and at the same time confused by it. He simply had to discover it in a very personal way. His series "Hain" challenges common notions of cruising by capturing romantic moments with naked male subjects in front of idyllic natural settings. With his view through the camera, Städler breaks through stereotypes and offers a new perspective.

Städler's ongoing project began with frequent visits to these places. It took him over a year to take his first photo. During this time, he met people from various age groups and social backgrounds. Only after he had gained the trust of his protagonists was he allowed to capture and share these intimate moments.

With Hain, Städler offers an insight into the hidden Berlin - a part of the cityscape that is often invisible. Crusing began at a time when homosexual people could not come out and there were no public places where they could live out their sexuality. Parks and other urban spaces such as Berlin's Tiergarten became places for private encounters. Nowadays, the cruising scene has evolved thanks to dating apps. Nevertheless, these physical places remain a part of the city. Against this backdrop, Städler's photography is a medium for expressing queer identity. The term grove evokes a small, peaceful wood or copse that stands for a special or sacred place.

The exhibition opens on August 22, 2024 and is part of Fotografiska's talent program "Emerging Berlin", which supports photographers in the early stages of their careers.

Runtime: Fri, 23/08/2024 to Wed, 09/10/2024

Takes place here:

• Fotografiska Berlin