Ready for Combat

Violent riots between extremist left agitators and the police are the recurring outcome of Berlin's May 1st Labor Day demonstrations. Customarily the epicenter of these clashes occur in the rather alternative borough of Kreuzberg, whose landmark Oranienstrasse (Strasse=street.) is its main axis. Having exceeded true political ambitions, the entire routine of predictable acts of violence associated with Labor Day demonstrations has turned into a ritual. Both sides, anarchists and police, indoctrinate themselves to be prepared for combat and uproar, taking the opportunity to air antagonism, hatred and general despair.

However, the afternoon demonstrations, in which we participated, have -as predicted - not yet taken this violent character as riots usually kick in at night. Auguststrasse, the second site of our project, is the main axis in the gallery district of Mitte. The hip and avant-guard moved into this neighborhood 10 years ago, bringing along the development of bars, cafes and stores. On holidays, locals and tourists alike stroll the area, enjoying the artsy lifestyle (and the consumerism). On the night of April 30th a team covered the area around Oranienstrasse with "kampfbereit" posters. These posters do not carry any specific verbal information, other than the fore-mentioned slogan and color portraits of young, interesting people who do not fit the cliche anarchist look. During the day, various performance groups intermingled with the crowds at the demonstrations in the Oranienstrasse area. They communicated with each other (and the Commando Center.) via cell-phones and fast speed internet connection. Additionally, web-cams and digital cameras documented the events for the Commando Center in theAuguststrasse. This Commando Center hosted an installation where the general audience was able to follow the action on the other side of town.