|
16 January 2009 | |
 |
||
|
|||||
|
Halbstark + Karlheinz Weinberger If you haven't made it to Anna Kustera yet for the Karlheinz Weinberger show that runs through 01.30.09, now there's even more incentive to do so: the US premiere of documentary film Halbstark, which is running in conjunction with the Weinberger show Vintage Prints: Belts, Jackets, Couples and More, is being screened tomorrow evening at the gallery. Adrian Winkler's documentary focuses on a unique Swiss subculture from the late 1950's and early 1960's. The teens that comprised what their Swiss elders referred to as the Halbstark (translates as "half strong") were the punks of their day. Reviled by the mainstream, they gathered in public squares clothed in unique get-ups of customized denim, to drink and listen to rock music. Through the use of early news footage, the voyeuristic images by renowned photographer, Karlheinz Weinberger, and snapshots taken by various members, Halbstark gives a glimpse into the day in a life of some of the halbstarken then and now. There's one caveat I should make you aware of: the film is presented entirely in Swiss German without subtitles, so unless you speak Swiss German, be prepared for it to be a purely visual experience. Thankfully, the imagery in the film is very enticing and compliment the photos by Weinberger perfectly. And sometimes it's better to just look at pics and not listen to people talking anyway, right?? If you're not in New York -- or can't bear to go out in this cold -- you can watch the entirety of the documentary on Vimeo. Don't forget to check out my coverage of the Weinberger show last month. Halbstark |
|
|||
