BY NADINE PELZER / SABINE STAHL What makes people really happy? This is precisely the question the acclaimed designer Stefan Sagmeister has asked himself. The very personal documentary ‘The Happy Film’ is the result of years of research and self-experiments on the way to happiness. His work inspires and fascinates, and is known for its…
Category: Culture
MOMENTARY DECISION
Interview with photographer Jim Rakete BY SANDY STRASSER In a career of almost 50 years as a photographer, he captured the German elite of acting and music - Jim Rakete. Many great international personalities too, trust him and his sense for what truly makes a portrait. With us he spoke about the beginnings of his…
EXPRESSIVE
Interview with Franziska Kunz, Global Head of Art Deutsche Bank AG BY ANJA FAHS Art has always been collected by private individuals but also by companies. Just think of the Medici with their Florentine family empire, or of today’s large and medium-sized companies. Art stimulates creativity in a business, shows a sense of culture and…
HARMONIOUS MOMENTUM FOR HAMBURG
The Elbphilharmonie has opened BY DR STEFAN POLLAK Germany has a new landmark. On the 11th of January, the Elbe Philharmonic opened in the Hamburg harbour district. The question may be asked if 10 years of building and 800 million euros of investment have been worth it. Time will show if a definite answer can…
IDENTIFYING THE FUNDAMENTAL
Interview with actress Iris Berben BY SANDY STRASSER The courage to speak out and to not simply gloss over potential grievances. It has always been important for actress Iris Berben to stand by her opinions. She has always remained true to herself – both in her personal life and in her career. She vehemently defends…
NOT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
A portrait of picture book artist Helme Heine BY SANDY STRASSER Restraint and sensitivity are the trademarks of picture book artist Helme Heine. The 75-year-old is one of the true great artists of his trade. However, he not only creates illustrations, he also simultaneously invents the stories that go with them. These include such veritable…
BEYOND TIME
Billions of thoughts captured in music BY SANDY STRASSER An old proverb states that the best stories come from life itself. But we are all familiar with the fact that it gives us more than just sunshine – something that singer Axel (Aki) Bosse is also all too aware of. He creates veritable musical treasure…
UTOPIA
About transformations that could change our lives forever BY SANDY STRASSER Michael Najjar is one of the most renowned German photographers. With his art, he makes things visible that frequently remain hidden to human eye. In terms of contents, his focus here lies on the primary components of a society controlled by computer and information…
DANCE ON THE ROPE
The world through Peter Schmidt’s eyes BY SANDY STRASSER Precisely because everything about Peter Schmidt rests on a principle of disciplined passion the Bayreuth-born lithographer has always been enormously productive. Single-minded since 1937, he has made quite a name for himself, adorning what was once merely one of the more common entries in a German…
THE FIGUREHEAD OF HAUTE CUISINE
Chef of the Century Paul Bocuse being interviewed BY SANDY STRASSER Nobody transformed the culinary world in the 20th century more than Paul Bocuse. His light and delicate cuisine has always caused a furore. As early as 1965, the Michelin Guide awarded him three stars – the youngest chef to achieve this distinction in France….
MASTER OF MUSICAL PRODUCTION
General Music Director and Chief Conductor Kent Nagano in an interview BY SANDY STRASSER Kent Nagano is a great defender of classical music, which in his opinion ought no longer be the exclusive domain of connoisseurs. After a string of positions in cities all over the world he has recently become particularly big in Hamburg,…
1001 NIGHTS
Dreaming in Marrakesh’s arms BY ANJA FAHS Marrakesh – merely the sound of the name of this Moroccan royal city awakens oriental fantasies in us. It has captivated generations of travellers and there is hardly any other North African town in which life pulsates as much as it does in this one. The imposing town…
STYLISTICALLY CONFIDENT
Art wears Prada BY NORA MANTHEY Milan is leading in fashion and design with modern art playing a somewhat lesser role - but that was until Fondazione Prada started to care. The foundation is funded by the luxury brand bearing its name but emphasizes independence from the business as it aims for a cultural dialogue…
ALWAYS AT THE LIMITS
Successful women in motor sports BY SANDY STRASSER You need patience to be a good rally passenger. You have to be conscientious and well organised. Tina Thörner is all this and successful. During her motor sports career she won three ladies’ world champion titles and gained second place twice in the Grand National rally world…
A REAL CHARACTER
The handwriting of Erik Spiekermann BY SANDY STRASSER He is one of the most well-known graphic designers in the world - Erik Spiekermann. He represents German typeface design and brand leadership like no other, and has had an unparalleled influence on contemporary graphic design for over 30 years. The immense quantity of work he has…
OBSERVER WITH A VOICE
Alan Rusbridger on journalism that can change the world BY NORA MANTHEY Alan Rusbridger has been the Guardian’s editor-in-chief for 20 years. Under his leadership, the British paper covered the Wikileaks and Edward Snowden affair as well as the hacking scandal, which ultimately led to the closing of the News of the World newspaper. His…
START YOUR WHY
On the positive energy our work life has for us BY SANDY STRASSER Imagine a world in which people wake up inspired and go to work fulfilled. A world in which loyalty and belief are the rule rather than the exception. A world in which we feel secure. Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist. The…
THE TENDER REBEL
An interview with Gianna Nannini BY SANDY STRASSER Her voice is unique, just like her character. In 1980, Gianna Nannini produced what for many people was the sound of their youth and she has maintained her wild temperament. But what many don’t know: the Italian rock singer originates from a family who always placed value…
SEEKING LATERAL THINKERS
Why the world needs more poetry BY SANDY STRASSER Milton Glaser is regarded as one of the most significant graphic designers, illustrators and poster artists of the modern era. His works range from architecture to furniture design. One of his most well-known works, and now a much-desired collector’s item is the famous poster of Bob…
BY TOUTATIS!
The grandiose life’s work of cartoonist Albert Uderzo BY SANDY STRASSER Asterix and Obelix – undoubtedly the two greatest comic heroes of the past 50 years. Together, they brought tears to the eyes of whole generations, tears of laughter. But who is behind this success story? It is the Frenchman Albert Uderzo. Together with his…
PRESENT-DAY GIANT
Insights into Facebook’s new headquarters BY STEFAN POLLAK Sitting in front of our computer screens, we too easily forget that even something as virtual and intangible as a social network is constantly being further developed by a large team of highly qualified staff. At Facebook, there are approximately 2,800 computer scientists, graphic designers and content…
