Mischa Fanghaenel

Mischa Fanghaenel moved to Germany at a young age and has lived and worked in Berlin ever since. Witnessing the shifting political landscape of Eastern Europe, his artistic journey reflects the dynamic nature of his environment. With over two decades dedicated to photography, Fanghaenel has developed a distinctive style influenced by impressionist painting and constructivist photography. His work explores contrasts between his subjects and their surroundings, capturing moments of unexpected beauty and tranquility amidst the chaos of urban life. Through each frame, he creates a poignant narrative, blending the raw energy of his surroundings with a sense of serenity.

 

Fanghaenel's work is strongly influenced by the dynamic worlds of nightlife, with a remarkable ability to use natural light to infuse his compositions with timeless elegance reminiscent of classical art. He is perhaps best known for his ongoing project NACHTS, a contemporary documentation of Berlin’s techno culture. Having worked as a bouncer at Berghain since 2010, Fanghaenel understands the importance of archiving and showcasing the diverse personalities that define Berlin's nightlife. The series of 175 portraits delve into the vulnerabilities, resilience, and untold stories of its subjects, offering an intimate glimpse into the essence of this often-overlooked subculture. NACHTS has been presented in major European capitals. In recent years, Fanghaenel's work has been exhibited internationally, including Foyou Kunstraum, Enter Art Foundation, Berlin Art Week, Stockholm Art Week, Moscow’s Adidas Night Jogger Show, König Galerie, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Portrait by Lennart Sydney Kofi