PHOTO: © Michael Küpker

The Darkness Is Coming

Name: The Darkness Is Coming
Start: 2025-07-20T14:00+0200
End: 2025-07-20T17:00+0200
Location: Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Exhibition

In the organizer's words:

Invitation to the exhibition The Darkness is Coming

A journey into the darkness - between light, shadow and the invisible dimensions of being

Berlin artists Nina Plášková and Keanu Sapadi explore facets of darkness in their exhibition series. In the first exhibition, contemporary artists unfold the theme of darkness through multimedia. The Darkness Is Coming shows the aesthetic field of tension of dark works of art and brings hidden interests and motivations to the surface. Here you will find works and positions that emerge independently:

Mathilda Augart
Vasil Berela
Andrés Felipe Uribe Cárdenas
Jaron Gyger
Fruzsina Kiss
Michael Küpker
Keanu Sapadi
Nina Plášková
Aline Schwörer
Julian Simon
Allistair Walter
Jiajing Zhang

We cordially invite you to our exhibition The Darkness Is Coming from July 17 to 20, 2025 at Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte.

In the heart of the busy and ambivalent first floor at Alexanderplatz, an aesthetic playing field is being created in the premises of an old store as an interim use, which is characterized by a wide-ranging, multimedia spectrum of artistic positions.
The works on display not only examine darkness as an aesthetic phenomenon, but also highlight ambivalent, emotional and philosophical dimensions.
The focus is on the idea that darkness not only represents what is hidden, but also functions as a source of truth and transformation.

An innovative mix of painting, sculpture, photography and multimedia installations creates a space that offers a special experience for collectors and the contemporary art public, as well as for passers-by and Berliners. Away from classic and strict exhibition concepts, the first exhibition in the series is a comprehensive amuse-bouche for upcoming projects and events:
Which works are dedicated to darkness through their technique, aesthetics and medium? Which by means of their content and where does the light penetrate the surfaces when the darkness can no longer be endured?

The opening: An evening under the sign of darkness

The opening will take place on July 17, 2025 from 18:00 to 22:00 and, in addition to the opportunity to experience the works in a special atmosphere, will also offer direct insights into the creation of the project. During the curatorial tour on Sunday, July 20 at 3 pm, you can talk to Nina Plášková about the artists' visions and sources of inspiration and learn how they integrate the dark in both its aesthetic and emotional dimensions into their works and experience it in private.

The tour addresses the ambiguity of darkness and reflects the attitudes and relationships of the participating artists. Instead of unifying, the exhibition aims to connect through contrasts - visitors are invited to reflect on their own attitude towards darkness in order to gain new, unexplored perspectives.

A contribution to the public debate and an interactive program

In addition to the exhibition, a thematic scientific contribution will be offered to accompany the exhibition with a lecture, a Tattoo Appointment and a workshop for children and young people .

Just a ray of hope away:

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: between resource activation and problem actualization

Christopher Schmidt 's lecture sheds light on current approaches in psychotherapy against the omnipresent collective darkness of our time. The human psyche has inspired art movements such as Surrealism and Art Brut. Not only art, but also psychology provides insight into the hidden and concealed depths of the human being. An invitation to experience the exhibition theme from a scientific perspective and gain new insights.

In the art workshop "Fantasy creatures in the dark fairytale forest", participants can create their own mythical creatures under the guidance of Nina Plášková and be inspired by the darkness of deep forest landscapes. Using watercolor on long canvases and silhouettes, a common scenario will be created.
In addition, Keanu Sapadi offers exclusive tattoo appointment appointments where he applies his striking, dark designs to skin. Places are limited, so early registration is required.

With openness towards our artists and our audience, The Darkness Is Coming enables to encounter darkness in various ways without judgment and to find their own truths in it.

Visiting times and admission

The exhibition is open daily from July 17 to 20, 2025. Free admission.

Opening hours and program:

Vernissage 17.07 - 18:00 - 22:00

18:30 Opening speech

19:30 Concert Stridule (Dark Ambient)

Friday 18.07 - 18:00 - 00:00 h

Saturday 19.07 - 14:00 - 21:00
11:00 a.m. Tattoo application with Keanu Sapadi (registration required, price on request)

14:00 Art workshop: "Fantasy creatures in a dark fairytale forest"
Large-format painting for children aged 6 and over with Nina Plášková (limited places)
Registration: 5€

19:00 Reading: Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Between resource activation and problem actualization with Christopher Schmidt, MIND Foundation (limited places)

Sunday 20.07 - 14:00 - 17:00
15:00 Curatorial guided tour with Nina Plášková (limited places)

Location: Bahnhof Alexanderplatz EG Store Mittelpassage

Culterim I Spaces I Alex

A project initiated by Nina Plášková and Keanu Sapadi

Supported by: kunstszene_report
Graphics: Michael Küpker

Contact and further information

Registration: Reading, workshop, curatorial tour via gloomyexhibitions@gmail.com or on site

-EN-

Invitation to the Exhibition: The Darkness Is Coming

A Journey into Darkness - Between Light, Shadow, and the Invisible Dimensions of Being

Berlin-based artists Nina Plášková and Keanu Sapadi explore the many facets of darkness in their new exhibition series. In this first installment, contemporary artists delve into the theme of darkness through a diverse range of multimedia works.The Darkness Is Coming presents a field of aesthetic tension filled with somber artworks, bringing hidden motivations and subconscious intentions to the surface.
The exhibition features independent artistic positions by:

Mathilda Augart
Vasil Berela
Andrés Felipe Uribe Cárdenas
Jaron Gyger
Fruzsina Kiss
Michael Küpker
Keanu Sapadi
Nina Plášková
Aline Schwörer
Julian Simon
Allistair Walter
Jiajing Zhang

We warmly invite you to the exhibition The Darkness Is Coming, taking place July 17-20, 2025, at Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte.

In the heart of this bustling and ambivalent location, the repurposed ground floor of a former retail space becomes an aesthetic playground showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic perspectives across various media.
The exhibited works examine darkness not only as an aesthetic phenomenon but also highlight its emotional, philosophical, and ambivalent dimensions. At the core of the exhibition lies the idea that darkness is not merely what is hidden, but can also be a source of truth and transformation.

An innovative mix of painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations creates a space that offers a unique experience - not only for contemporary art collectors and enthusiasts, but also for passersby and Berlin locals.
Far from conventional and rigid exhibition formats, this first edition serves as a compelling amuse-bouche for future projects and events:
Which works explore darkness through their technique, aesthetic, orM medium? Which works address darkness through their content, and where does light break through the surface when the darkness becomes unbearable?

Opening: An Evening in the Spirit of Darkness

The opening will take place on July 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a special atmosphere in which to experience the artworks, along with exclusive insights into the development of the project.
During the curatorial tour on Sunday, July 20 at 3:00 PM, you'll have the chance to speak with Nina Plášková about the artists' visions and sources of inspiration - and discover how they incorporate darkness into their work, both aesthetically and emotionally, as well as how they experience it in their personal lives.

The tour highlights the ambiguity of darkness and reflects the individual stances and relationships of the participating artists. Rather than seeking uniformity, the exhibition aims to create connection through contrast - inviting visitors to reflect on their own attitudes toward darkness and gain new, unexplored perspectives.

A Contribution to Public Discourse and an Interactive Program

In addition to the exhibition, a thematic educational and interactive program will be offered, including a lecture, a tattoo appointment, and a creative workshop for children.

Bringing light into the darkness:

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy - Between Resource Activation and Problem Actualization

In his lecture, Christopher Schmidt presents current approaches in psychotherapy as a response to the pervasive collective darkness of our time. The human psyche has inspired artistic movements like Surrealism and Art Brut. Not only art, but also psychology offers insight into the hidden and obscure depths of the human mind.this talk invites audiences to explore the exhibition's theme from a scientific perspective and gain fresh insights.

In the art workshop "Mythical Creatures in the Dark Fairytale Forest," participants will create their own mystical beings under the guidance of Nina Plášková, drawing inspiration from the darkness of enchanted woodland landscapes. Using watercolor on large scrolls and silhouette cutting techniques, a shared imaginative scene will emerge.
Additionally, Keanu Sapadi will offer exclusive tattoo appointments, translating his distinctive dark designs onto skin. Appointments are limited - early registration is required.

With openness toward both our artists and audience, The Darkness Is Coming offers multiple ways to encounter darkness without judgment - and invites you to discover your own truths within it.

Exhibition Hours & Admission

The exhibition is open daily from July 17-20, 2025.
Admission is free.

Program Schedule:

Thursday, July 17 - 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
6:30 PM - Opening Remarks
7:30 PM - Live Concert: Stridule (Dark Ambient)

Friday, July 18 - 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Saturday, July 19 - 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
11:00 AM - Tattoo Appointments with Keanu Sapadi
(Registration required, prices upon request)

2:00 PM - Art Workshop: "Mythical Creatures in the Dark Fairytale Forest"
(Large-format painting for children aged 6+, led by Nina Plášková)
Limited spots - Registration fee: €5

7:00 PM - Lecture: Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy - Between Resource Activation and Problem Actualization
with Christopher Schmidt, MIND Foundation
(Limited capacity)