I met a guy a couple of years ago who had a huge studio in Neukölln, the most multicultural area of Berlin. I started taking photos at that time, and he offered me to exhibit them there, an opportunity that pushed me to keep taking photos. So Berlin is such an important part of my life, it’s where it all started for me. When I was about 19, I tried multiple times to get into art school, but got refused, so I went to a photography school. I didn’t really expect to be accepted, but I was, and so I focused more on this field. I wouldn’t say I’m a good photographer as I have no idea of what I’m doing, the only part I’m convinced with is that I know how a good picture should look, or how I want it to look like.
Berlin is also a very affordable city to live in, and this an important aspect. I can afford working as much as I want, which is fantastic. I see my friends who are based in London or New York struggling with their time, balancing between their work and being creatives. On the other hand, I wish this city would pay more respect to young emerging artists, by supporting them. I often feel like we are left behind. Magazines and galleries always aim at having artists who have already built up their names, but finding new talents is too much of a risk for them to handle. No balls.