In 2020, Scottish-German photographer Jojo Caitlin moved to Berlin, only to confront a city hindered by pandemic restrictions. Her initial doubts melted away as she witnessed Berlin’s revival over the years, a resurgence marked by music and vibrant life, alongside an unsettling evolution with rising censorship and economic pressures. Amidst creeping disenchantment from local artists towards institutional frameworks, Jojo discovered solace in the grassroots essence of The Palace Collective, a non-profit fostering creative collaboration and community initiatives.
Operating from a repurposed space beneath railway tracks at Jannowitzbrücke, The Palace embodies Berlin’s artistic spirit, hosting an art residency annually at a historic Polish palace that convenes hundreds of international creatives for two weeks of unbounded exploration.
Jojo’s photography from last autumn’s residency captured the playful spirit of collaboration, juxtaposed with intoxicating unpredictability. Each morning brought the echo of joyful songs and spontaneous creative bursts, from dance rehearsals to art workshops, nurtured in a space that felt like a liberating universe away from daily pressures.
Through her lens, Jojo finds a unique charm in film photography, an art that blends intuition and spontaneity. Memorable experiences like “dishwasher karaoke” highlight the bespoke moments enriching life at The Palace. One striking image features swirling smoke and energetic figures on a dancefloor, illuminating the atmosphere of creativity and connection.
Previously immersed in climate justice, Jojo’s art transitioned from landscapes to the narratives of people. Inspired by Donna Haraway’s reflections on our chaotic times, she regards photography as a responsive act—an essential grounding force amidst personal and global turmoil.
Back in Berlin, Jojo remains active with The Palace Collective, passionately co-organising fundraisers that celebrate music and visual arts. Although her view of the iconic TV Tower is now obstructed by a modern office building, her faith in communal, DIY spaces remains steadfast. “I really believe in the power of DIY spaces for collective healing…,” Jojo contemplates, hopeful that Berlin’s creative essence endures despite its challenges.
Scottish-German photographer Jojo Caitlin reflects on her journey in Berlin from 2020 when the city was subdued by the pandemic. As she witnessed its resurgence, she became involved with The Palace Collective, celebrating the DIY spirit of creative collaboration. Her photography captures spontaneous moments of joy and connection at the Palace, while her experiences resonate with themes of activism and community resilience amidst modern challenges.
In conclusion, Jojo Caitlin’s journey as a photographer embodies the resilience and transformative spirit of Berlin’s underground art scene. Grounded in personal and historical narratives intertwined with activism, her work and the initiatives at The Palace Collective serve as a reminder of the vitality that comes from community engagement and creative expression, especially in troubling times. Through grassroots movements, residents nurture a culture of collaboration and healing within the city.
Original Source: www.dazeddigital.com
