AMSTERDAM - BERLIN - BUDAPEST - VIENNA
Electric Ladyland Museum
Discover fluorescent art in Amsterdam
Amsterdam: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep The best picks of where to visit in Amsterdam
Save the East Side Gallery
Stop the gallery from being a memory
Berlin: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep
The best picks of where to visit in Berlin
Ruin Bars in Budapest
Sagmeister: The Happy Show
Europe’s best-kept secret
Explore the pursuit of happiness in society
The best picks of where to visit in Budapest
The best picks of where to visit in Vienna
Budapest: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep
Vienna: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep
contents
Welcome to Aesthetica: in Europe Europe is enriched with endless culture; breath-taking art, striking architecture and timeless fashion. As a continent it has so much to offer. The greatest composers, thinkers, writers and artists were born and bred in Europe. Think of Mozart, Da Vinci, Freud, the list goes on and on. We have chosen four significant capital cities to feature in our special issue of Aesthetica: in Europe. Come on a journey with us and discover fluorescent art museums in Amsterdam, pay-what-you-want wine bars in Berlin and artistic talents from all over this thriving continent.
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Amsterdam
Budapest
Discover fluorescent art at the first museum of its kind
Learn all about Europe’s best-kept secret
8 Amsterdam: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep
16 Budapest: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep
Berlin
Vienna
Stop the decaying mural from being a distant memory
An exhibition that explores the pursuit of happiness in society
5 Electric Ladyland
The best picks of where to visit in Amsterdam
18 Save the East Side Gallery
2 Aesthetica in Europe
KunstHausWien, Untere Weißgerberstraße 13, 1030, Vienna
6 Berlin: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep The best picks of where to visit in Berlin
14 Ruin Bars
The best picks of where to visit in Budapest
10 Sagmeister: The Happy Show
11 Vienna: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep The best picks of where to visit in Vienna
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amsterdam
Electric Ladyland AMSTERDAM IS HOME TO MANY ECCENTRIC ATTRACTIONS, LADY ELECTRIC IS STRIKING YET SERENE. WHY JUST MARVEL AT THE ART, WHEN YOU CAN LIVE AND BREATHE IT.
Become a part of the spectacle at Electric Ladyland, the first museum of fluorescent art in the world. The museum consists of a large glowing room that allows visitors to engage in participatory art. Electric Ladyland challenges the typical set up of a standard contemporary gallery; instead of simply viewing the artefacts, the guest can temporarily become a part of the show. Participatory art is an approach in which the viewer is involved directly in the artistic procedure. This allows them to become editors, creators and authors of the masterpiece. Therefore making the art incomplete without physical interaction from the audience.
The museum is home to a large collection of fluorescent rocks from all across the world. When viewed under different light wavelengths, the dull stone magically transforms into a spectrum of mesmerizing colours. After entering this unique attraction, the visitor will feel as if they’ve entered a new land or dimension. After opening in early 1999, the museum has been a popular location amongst locals and tourists. Electric Lady art gallery sits above the museum, which opened in 1987. Guided tours are available, including demonstrations on fluorescent artwork, advertisements and artefacts dated back to the 1930’s. Open Tuesday until Saturday, 1pm until 6pm. www.electric-lady-land.com
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Amsterdam: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep 1
Where to Go Van Gogh Museum Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ, Amsterdam
Witness the works of Van Gogh such as, Sunflowers and Almond Blossom in his country of birth. Learn more about the famous artist and marvel in his excellence. The museum offers workshops, lectures and guided tours. As well as the permanent collection, you can also enjoy special exhibitions throughout the year. Discover everything about his life from his childhood to his famous death. For example, Van Gogh often painted himself because he couldn’t afford to pay models. www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en.
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Where to Eat Ivy & Bros Oudezijds Voorburgwal 96HS, 1012 GH, Amsterdam
Ivy & Bros is adorned with vintage finds, quirky jewellery and stylish garments sourced from Dutch flea markets. A design store and café all in one. Their refreshing take on style and design makes this an inspiring place to visit for a spot of lunch. The mouth-watering menu consists of an array of delicious sandwiches, homemade cakes and freshly squeezed juices. They also host exhibitions throughout the month, showcasing the works of local and international artists. Situated in the middle of the red light district, Ivy & Bros is a real hidden gem.
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Where to Drink Chicago Social Club Leidseplein 12, 1017 PT, Amsterdam
An exciting venue that never fails to entertain. Visit the bar for a few cocktails with friends, and then head down to the club for a dance. Listen to the best upcoming DJs and music acts every week. Chicago Social Club is without a doubt the coolest place to be seen in Amsterdam on a Saturday night. Many events are guest list only, and you definitely wont get in if you’re clearly too drunk. Plan in advance. www.chicagosocialclub.nl.
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Where to Sleep Vondel Hotel Vondelstraat 26, 1054 GD, Amsterdam
After a long day of sightseeing and stylish architecture, put your feet up and relax at Vondel Hotel. This popular boutique hotel is set in a row of seven 18th century townhouses and boasts a city garden, meeting room, restaurant and 86 bedrooms. Oozing style and sophistication, Vondel Hotel is one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels. Just a stones throw away from the famous Vondelpark, as well as the museum district and designer outlets. www.hotelvondel.com/en.
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vienna
Sagmeister: The Happy Show The Austrian bred graphic designer, Stefan Sagmeister explores what makes human beings happy. His current exhibition; The Happy Show is held at the MAK Austrian Museum for Applied Arts and Contemporary Art. Sagmeister has been interested in happiness and the lightness of being for over ten years. A number of practices supposed to increase levels of joy, including; meditation, mood-altering drugs and cognitive therapy, inspire his exhibition. Arguably every human is on the pursuit of happiness, and at the MAK there is a high possibility of actually reaching that ecstasy. Or at least a better understanding of how our minds work in regards to pleasure and joy. The exhibition invites visitors to actively engage with the display. Rather than taking a back seat and passively observing, viewers can push buttons, draw lucky symbols on paper and ride an interactive bicycle that illuminates a neon message affixed to the wall. The whole interior of the MAK is adorned with bright yellow signs and handwritten
messages, there are even optimistic mottos lurking in the bathrooms of the museum. This exhibition is a true breath of fresh air, and reminds the public about the importance of happiness. After graduating from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Sagmeister was offered a two-year scholarship at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He has since relocated to New York indefinitely. He is famous not only for his extraordinary insight but also for his incredible design talents and cover albums for Lou Reed, the Rolling Stones and other great musical acts. Sagmeister invites guests to ask themselves the important, self-reflective question: what makes me happy? Happiness is dependent on so many external factors: wealth, love, morality, sex, religion, friendship, and most of all, our expectations. Visit the MAK and embark on the pursuit of happiness. The exhibition began in October 2015 and will end on 28th March 2016.
Happiness is dependent on so many external factors: wealth, love, morality, sex, religion, friendship, and most of all, our expectations.
Vienna: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep 1
Masterpieces adorn the walls of Belvedere palace, which, is a masterpiece in its own right. Lower Belvedere contains Prince Eugene’s impressive apartments as well as breath-taking staterooms. The works of Gustav Klimt reside in Upper Belvedere, consisting of paintings such as The Kiss and Judith. Once home to the prince’s twelve horses, the Palace stables are now home to Belvedere’s medieval art collection. Exhibitions vary in price and opening times vary depending on the exhibition and day of the week. www.belvedere.at/en.
2 Tue 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Wed–Sun 10a.m.–6 p.m. Mon closed Free Admission on Tuesdays 6–10 p.m. www.mak.at/en/mak_now
What to See Belvedere Palace and Museum Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030, Vienna
Where to Eat Figlmüller Bäckerstraße 6, 1010, Vienna
Figlmüller is home to the schnitzel, and epitomises the Viennese lifestyle in every way: delicious food, great company and fine wine. Originally a wine tavern opened by Johann Figlmüller in 1905, Figlmüller has evolved into the Austrian treasure that it is today. The average schnitzel measures around thirty centimetres in diameter, dusted with ‘imperial’ breadcrumbs from Austrian emperor rolls and baked exclusively for the restaurant. Reservations are recommended. www.figlmueller.at/en.
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Where to Drink Cafe Hawelka Dorotheergasse 6, 1010, Vienna
For the best coffee in Vienna, head down to Café Hawelka for a melange. From the outside it looks like any ordinary, rather unattractive cafe, but once you step inside you’ll feel as if you’ve gone set foot into another decade. The cafe was opened by Leopold Hawalka in 1939. This cafe was a prominent meeting point for the art scene during the 1960’s, famous names such as, Oskar Werner, Wolfgang Hutter and Friedensreich Hundertwasser would meet here to drink coffee and discuss ideas.
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Where to Sleep Magdas Hotel Laufbergergasse, 1020, Vienna
Stay open minded is splayed stylishly across the artistic postcards that Magdas offer their guests upon arrival. This refreshing boutique hotel was renovated in early 2015 and is situated in the heart of Vienna. Standing for cultural diversity; all members of staff are young asylum seekers or people who have refugee status. Each room is unique, and decorated with up cycled furniture. Going above and beyond typical offerings of a hotel, they offer; bicycle rental, home-cinema, a garden, a library, breakfast in bed, tablet rental and so much more. www.magdas-hotel.at/en/home.
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art Pascal Marlin
14 Inspiring European Artists To Be Excited About In 2016 Gyuri Lohmuller
Born in Romania, in 1962. Gyuri Lohmuller is a selftaught artist, his work has been exhibited in various galleries around Europe such as, Germany, Hungary and Austria. His work reflects his deepest emotions. His surreal artwork mirrors the complexity of life and his feelings about the world he lives in.
www.saatchiart.com/marlin
www.saatchiart.com/gyurka
Lisa Van Noorden
Born in Budapest, Hungary. Luca is currently studying painting at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts. Nature, human beings, and her general surroundings inspire her abstract artwork. She has already hosted five solo exhibitions in Budapest, as well as being involved in many group exhibitions.
Karenina Fabrizzi
Jack Sutherland
Karenina Fabrizzi, born in italy in 1970, is inspired by the power of Mother Nature and the behaviour of animals. Her work aims to bring nature closer to the viewer. She uses a combination of delicate sketches, subdued tones, oil paints, ink and rice paper to build countless layers and add depth to her fairy-tale-like work. www.kareninafabrizzi.com
Jack Sutherland is a young artist living in London. His paintings explore themes of isolation, ruined landscapes and posthuman forms. Jack has a BA in Fine Art from the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. His work has been exhibited in various locations around England.
www.saatchiart.com/lisavannoorden
Born in Poland in 1992. Agata Zychlinska is an incredibly talented young artist. She is in her fifth year of study at Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts. She paints ordinary everyday objects, as they are an incredibly important yet overlooked part of her life.
Living and working in Rotterdam, Lisa Van Noorden is a painter, sculptor and drawer. Her work focuses mainly on the human form and animals. She uses symbols such as diamonds, stars and skulls as these are almost invincible in society. Her work has been exhibited in America, The Netherlands, Slovakia and Brazil.
Louis-Nicolas Darbon
Andy Cumming is an abstract artist living in Edinburgh. His work explores many different themes, including human behaviour and sociology. He doesn’t necessarily follow a plan; he begins with an initial outline and then goes with the flow. His work has been exhibited in Scotland and London.
Igor Vitomirov
Igor Vitomirov is an artist living in Sweden; he has over 15 years of experience in his field. He uses photography to express his strong emotions; ones that simply can’t be expressed using words. He believes that photography is a natural way to balance the good and evil within us. His work has been exhibited in various locations around Europe.
Born in Latvia in 1979, Inese Andzejevska has had a passion for art ever since she was a young teenager. She studied Textile Design at the Art Academy of Latvia. She has since developed a bigger love for painting, and the bittersweet pleasure that comes with having tired hands from painting all day. Her work has been exhibited in The Netherlands, Latvia and England. www.saatchiart.com/ louisnicolasdarbon
Matthias Pilsl
Marina Danic
Marina Danic is a young, upcoming Serbian artist. This specific painting named Minka, has been created using a variety of different
processes; using digital media, as well as paper, paint, ink and cardboard. Marina also creates tapestries and collages, as well as being an avid photographer and illustrator.
www.matthiaspilsl.de www.marinadanic.com
www.andycummingsite.com
www.saatchiart.com/vitomirov
Inese Andzejevska
Luois-Nicolas Darbon is inspired by modern popular culture. He is an artist living in London. A lot of his work is inspired by his travels; the vibrancy of New York, composure of Paris and eccentricity in London. He works for a large global fashion brand, which has a big influence on his art. His work has been exhibited in Marrakech, Singapore and London.
www.saatchiart.com/jacksutherland
Agata Żychlińska
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Andy Cumming
Luca Sára Rózsa
www.saatchiart.com/rozsaluca
www.saatchiart.com/arahiba
Pascal Marlin is a collage artist living in Paris. He uses everything that he can get his hands on to create collages; from pieces of fabric to cuttings of x-rays. His work has a slightly dark and sadistic tone, making his viewers feel slightly at ease. His mixed media artwork is a juxtaposition of soft and harsh materials and colours.
Born in Germany in 1980. Matthias Pilsl is a self-taught artist; his work is inspired by a variety of subjects from the history of art. He uses contemporary media along with old school techniques to create his beautiful masterpieces. His work has been exhibited in Switzerland, Tokyo and Germany.
www.ineseandzejevska.com
Madelen Foss
A Norwegian illustrator living in Oslo, Madelen Foss takes pleasure in drawing vibrant faces and kitsch creatures. She recently graduated from Kingston University in London with a BA (hons) in Illustration and Animation.
www.madelenfoss.tumblr.com
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budapest
Ruin Bars Chances are if you haven’t been to Budapest, you’ll be slightly bewildered at the concept of a ruin bar. This thriving city is famous for them. Think of a pub situated within an old converted building; adorned with shabby chic furniture, tattered artwork and quirky ornaments. That is a ruin bar. They open during the day to serve food, and often host community events such as art exhibitions, farmer’s markets and craft fairs. By night they turn into a magical wonderland of drinking dens; brimmed full of locals and tourists. There are dozens of these bars dotted around the cosmopolitan area of Budapest. Garzonkert, Filter Klub and Szimpla Kert are just a few. Enter a ruin bar and time stops still. A day can easily be spent relaxing, eating food and drinking with friends. When the sun sets, the real party begins and it doesn’t rest again until dawn. If you’re looking for a hub of creativity, delicious meals and imaginative cocktails, you’ll find all of that and so much more in one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
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Fogaskert, Akácfa u. 49, 1072, Budapest
Púder Bar, Ráday u. 8, 1092, Budapest
Szimpla Kert, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075, Budapest
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Budapest: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep 1
Where to Go Voodoo Tales at Claustrophilia Dohány u. 57, 1074, Budapest
This isn’t your typical tourist attraction. This is something very, very different. Budapest is well-known for it’s escape games. This is where you’re locked in a room with a group of friends, and you have a set amount of time to solve puzzles and find clues to break yourself out of the room. It’s like your typical point-and-click video game, yet you’re actually living it. It’s extremely entertaining and makes the participant look at things in a different way. claustrophilia.voodoo@gmail.com.
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Where to Eat Hummus Bar Október 6. u. 19, 1051, Budapest
There are a quite a few of these popular restaurants scattered around Budapest. Their rich menu is full of a variety of mouth-watering dishes inspired by the Middle East. Almost every dish on the menu includes their signature homemade hummus. Choose from quality meats, salads, falafel, soups and desserts. Hummus Bar has been awarded two as the best exotic cheap eat by Time Out for two years in a row. www.hummusbar.hu/eng.
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Where to Drink Instant Nagymező u. 38, 1065, Budapest
There are a jungle of ruin bars in Budapest, and Instant is king of the jungle. With 7 bars, 7 stages, 3 floors and 26 rooms and 2 gardens… it’s easy to get lost in all the excitement. The club is decorated with eclectic up-cycled furniture, quirky decorations and colourful lights. The club hosts a number of DJ events and club nights, and is open until 6am almost every night. www.instant.co.hu/en.
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Where to Sleep Brody House Bródy Sándor u. 10, 1088, Budapest
Brody House is one of a kind. Situated in Budapest’s palace quarter, this boutique hotel consists of eleven individually designed bedrooms - all a mini work of art. Each bedroom is en suite; and most have bathtubs for a soothing soak. First built in 1896, Brody House was originally the residence and office of medical practitioner, Dr. Vilmos Tauffer. The ancient building has survived the Second World War, plus decades of neglect. After its conversion in 2009, Brody House is now one of Budapest’s most treasured boutique hotels. www.brodyhouse.com.
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berlin
Berlin: See, Eat, Drink, Sleep 1
What to See Berlinische Galerie Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10969, Berlin
The Berlinische Galerie is a gallery of contemporary art, photography and architecture. It first opened its doors in 1975, and has moved locations a number of times. It has been and continues to be a thriving hub of creativity and design. The gallery recently underwent a £4 million refurbishment, and reopened its doors again this year. The gallery features works by Max Liebermann, George Grosz and Junge Wilde. Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am until 6pm. www.berlinischegalerie.de
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Where to Eat Bite Club Eichenstraße 4, 12435, Berlin
Hosted twice a month on Friday nights, Bite Club is home to the most indulgent street food from a wide selection of vendors. Launched in August 2013, this minifood-festival has gone from strength to strength. Hop aboard the Hoppetosse boat along the picturesque Kreuzberg riverside. Each time you visit you’ll discover new vendors with fresh menus, no Bite Club event is the same. Drink cocktails, dance to live music and choose from all the delectable cuisines. www.biteclub.de
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Save the East Side Gallery Berlin is a hot spot for street artists, creativity and originality. The East Side Gallery resides on the remnants of the Berlin Wall. It is covered in over a hundred individual murals. Between Oberbaumbrücke and the Ostbahnhof, along the former borderline that ended at the Spree, stretches a mile-long vibrant masterpiece. The attraction serves as an inspirational reminder of Germanys triumph over inhumanity. After the wall came down in 1989, artists from all over the world have visited Berlin to leave their mark, giving the wall a new lease of life. Ten years later, the gallery is unfortunately starting to deteriorate. This is down to weather, age and vandalising graffiti artists. Some of the paintings are now almost impossible to appreciate, due to the extent of the erosion. The only source of funding for the East Side Gallery is through charitable donations and private sponsors. The Künstlerinitiative East
Side Gallery e.V. is a registered non-profit society; founded after there were discussions of the wall being removed. They are fighting hard for the protection and revival of the wall. It is a huge shame that Berliners have let the wall get to the state that it is now. It is a forgotten beauty. Locals have become so accustomed to seeing the mural day in day out, what was once a novel beauty, is now becoming a distant memory. It’s down to locals and visitors to help save the wall from being forgotten forever. There is no clear statement from the council or government about what lies in store for the East Side Gallery. The Künstlerinitiative East Side Gallery e.V. continues to work hard to save the decaying wall. They need as much financial, ideological and political support as they can possibly get. Save the East Side Gallery.
The attraction serves as an inspirational reminder of Germanys triumph over inhumanity.
Where to Drink Trust Neue Promenade 10, 10178, Berlin
An intimate bar that can hold around 200 people. Trust is the little brother of bigger nightclubs Weekend and Cookies. The fact that this bar is so small is what adds to the appeal, it has a charming, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll discover a lot of weird things here, including a random bed. For an eccentric and unforgettable night visit Trust. The club is open until 5am and entry is always free. www.trustbar.trust-berlin.com
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Where to Sleep 25 Hours Hotel Berlin Budapester Str. 40, 10787, Berlin
This hotel is as unique and colourful as the city that surrounds it. It boasts just under 150 rooms, it also has a rooftop terrace with breath-taking views of berlin zoo and the city. It has a bar, restaurant, DJ-corner, bakery and even a sauna. There’s also a little kiosk that works in conjunction with the publishing house Gestalten Verlag that sells Berlin originals, small souvenirs and merchandise. www.25hours-hotels.com/en
www.eastsidegallery.com
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