Art on Berlin’s Balconies: A Creative Response to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily halted traditional art exhibitions, however, a group of innovative creatives in east Berlin seized the opportunity to display their work on windows and balconies.

A collective of around 50 creatives participated in the “Die Balkone: Life, art, pandemic and proximity” exhibition in the Prenzlauer Berg district, organised by Universität der Künste Berlin (Berlin University of the Arts). Curated by Joanna Warsza and guest professor Ovul Durmusoglu, the initiative promoted a concept of “zero budget, no opening and no crowds,” inviting locals to embark on a reflective stroll within the current regulations, seeking signs of life, art, and connection.

The organisers observed that we are at the beginning of a new societal cycle, and they noted notable shifts in the relationship between the inside and outside, as well as what is considered private, public, and political. Consequently, balconies are seen as public apertures of the private realm, offering both openness and hope while also embodying historical instances of authoritarianism and supremacy. We have witnessed similar expressions globally, such as when Italians sang from their balconies during the lockdown and DJs worldwide performed sets to entertain people.

“Balconies today offer thresholds from which we can connect with the world amidst the confinement of our homes,” states the university. “While safe for some, it remains precarious for others. They serve as emergency exits for fresh air, moments of sunshine, or a casual smoke. As our freedom of movement is restricted, these spaces have become unique sites for everyday performances and civic mobilisation, reflecting the varied designs and uses that balconies embody across different cultures and contexts, especially now.”