Tomasz Kobialka @ The Gym, Christmas Party @ Pop-Up Gallery Berlin, Oliver Jordan @ Haus am Lützowplatz, Secondo Stile presents Emmanuel Simon @ L40, Backjumps @ Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien, DIYmonds market @ Betahaus

WEDNESDAY 11.12

Tomasz Kobialka @ The Gym

For it’s second workout, The Gym hosted an exhibition of new work by Berlin based painter Tomasz Kobialka. The atmosphere in this living room-turned-gallery space keeps getting better every time I visit it. The Gym had installed a ‘pool’ covering the floor with water-patterned vinyl, giving the visitor a Jesus complex (somewhat fitting for any critics in attendance). +19 for free beer and nice smiles. (C)

THURSDAY 12.12

Christmas Party @ Pop-Up Gallery Berlin

Christmas was in the air last Thursday at Simon Williams' Pop-Up Gallery Berlin. Even with the incredible centerpiece of the tree, the star-on-top was when Christmas angel Anna Aliena blessed the gallery with an out-of-this world live concert - Christmas lights included! +8 for the unforgettable performance which, if you have forgotten it, can be seen on our Facebook page.

Even Santa made an appearance, doling out gifts to all the boys and girls of the gallery, naughty or nice. (N)

Oliver Jordan @ Haus am Lützowplatz

After passing through the - what is the classiest way to say this? - "red-light district", I was beggining to feel a little concerned about where I was heading. Luckily, Haus am Lützowplatz proved to be quite the opposite! From the composed and well-dressed crowd to the spread of buttered toast and pesto-olives, the evening and the event exuded class. A small detail but an appreciated detail nonetheless - +4 for the coatracks, with the winter cold coming and going, winter coats need a place to rest while their owners warm up at the drinks table! (N.)

Secondo Stile presents Emmanuel Simon @ L40
This one-wall-show featured only one painting (well, technically two) that is supposed to be at the same time an art space squatting another. There was so much going on in this one piece that it didn't feel too minimal or obscure to have an opening just for that, although it easily might have been empty and sad.

FRIDAY 13.12

Backjumps @ Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien

Despite people’s paranoia surrounding Friday the 13th, the opening was well attended. The thick fog made walking up to Mariannenplatz 2 feel like a 1980’s teen horror movie staring Art Hipsters and the scene curious.

This group exhibition includes some heavy hitters from the graffiti world, which is never an assurance the work will be as good as their outdoor stuff (the best graffiti is still generally found on the street). There exist here, some exceptions on both sides of that coin toss. But the spiced cookies and Glühwein kept spirits high. Plus you could pay 10€ to take an ‘Un-Lucky Art Dip’ for the chance to scoop a masterpiece. And more people with dogs. What’s with the growing trend of bringing your dog to an opening lately? Maybe it was the fog. +12 for Brad Downey’s video. (C)

SATURDAY 14.12

DIYmonds market @ Betahaus

"Shine bright like a DIYmond," sang Rihanna on the unreleased advert for betahaus's entrepreneurship fair. With everything from fine-leather goods to mitten-embroidery classes, betahaus was filled to the brim with crafts and creative types.

While the coffee supply had dwindled to a precarious "SOLD OUT", the glühwein and good times were free-flowing. I had never made it to betahaus before, but I think I've found a new favorite Kreuzberg café! (N.)