Berliners in Motion: Photographic Series Showcases Berliners While Commuting
Andris Braeuer, a photographer born in Texas to a German father and Iranian mother, relocated to Berlin, Germany in 2023. This move served as the inspiration for his acclaimed photo series, "In Transit." The project, currently on display at the group exhibition "The Quagmire" at Culterim Studios (August 22-24), captures the everyday passengers on Berlin's S-Bahn, inviting reflection on the stories of people typically overlooked during commutes.
"In Transit" was primarily inspired by the sight of people getting on and off trams in Ostkreuz, Berlin. Braeuer aims to capture and evoke the state of people based on their expressions and body language, rather than their thoughts. The series does not attempt to infer the thoughts of the people in his photographs, focusing instead on their actions and emotions.
The project mirrors John Schabel's "Passengers" series in its exploration of commuters and transit environments. However, Braeuer's "In Transit" centres more on the collective experience and fleeting encounters in everyday urban life. The photographs depict people boarding and disembarking trams in Ostkreuz, Berlin, capturing the emotion of brief, anonymous interactions and the anticipation, excitement, and sadness associated with travel.
However, capturing the right moment for a photograph in "In Transit" is a challenge due to the quick timing. People may react differently when they notice Braeuer taking their photograph, such as giving a weird face, shying away, or continuing to look at him. Despite these challenges, Braeuer's work evokes a sense of loneliness, sometimes portraying Berlin as a lonely city, particularly in winter.
Braeuer's work will also be featured in Frayme magazine, with a separate photo series shot in Vietnam. In addition, he will exhibit at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography in September. Through his work, Braeuer turns the perceived loneliness in his photographs into empathy, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories of strangers and fostering a deeper understanding of people.
"Andris Braeuer's photographs, showcased in exhibitions like 'The Quagmire' and forthcoming ones at Culterim Studios and Glasgow Gallery of Photography, delve into the realms of lifestyle and home-and-garden throughhis captures of daily commuters' experiences, as well as the transient moments experienced in travel."
"Moreover, Braeuer's upcoming contributions to Frayme magazine and his photo series shot in Vietnam underscore his interest in depicting various cultural landscapes, connecting his work to the broader themes of travel and human interaction."
