Bildkollektion

Poor but sexy (Arm aber Sexy) - these are the words used by the still famous ex-Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit (2001-2014) to respond to the critics of his city. Because these words from this precocious figure of Berlin intrigued me, I decided to go, photograph and discover Berlin. For me nothing was more intriguing in Berlin than to understand the true meaning Wowereits words. I asked myself why is Berlin, capital of a large European country and one of the leaders of the European Union, previously categorized as poor by one of its Mayors? I have visited many cities in Germany such as Hamburg and Munich for example, and I can say that Germany has prosperous cities. Germany has rebuilt itself very well and has been able to raise its head and face the challenges of our century. Known as the new European Bohemia, Berlin became a trendy destination and its tourism was in full bloom. Berlin, with its contemporary and alternative model attracted more and more tourists. It seemed that all around me vibrancy and life were teeming from both in and out of the streets. Berlin is a mecca for Techno music along a vibrant nightlife, and also the Mitte district, historical center and the Political power of Berlin, still one of the main tourist attractions. In view of these facts which seem to be positive and surely beneficial for the city of Berlin. Nevertheless local voices are now being raised as tourists, investors and new businesses create directly or not the phenomenon of gentrification to the most popular sections and quarters of Berlin. This allows to pose the question of the very identity of the city. Tourism is a plus for the city, its economy by the image it arouses. Thus, allows the city to share this contribution in its economy to help reducing the inequalities, precariousness, as well as its monumental debt. Nevertheless, it can tend to make the Berlin model humdrum and stifle the local life of the neighborhoods. Would Claude Maggiori * not say tourism is the most grotesque way of seeing the world? Will Berlin be capable therefore to remain sexy and keep its economy creative to curb its debt without getting stolen its identity? *Claude Maggiori: Director artistic and co-creator of the french daily newspaper Liberation