Unseen - Hidden Stories from the Berlin Marathon

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UNSEEN is where running and art converge, shining new light on the interlacing stories of marathoners and photographers on race day. It’s an exploration of the runner as artist and, often, vice versa.
Preparation. Execution. Pain. Euphoria. The drama of crossing the finish line and getting the perfect shot are often one and the same.

To showcase these triumphs, we collected deep cuts from the hard drives of photographers who’ve shot the Berlin Marathon over the past decade. Our annual exhibition and magazine bring these visual stories to life on race weekend and in print.

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We worked directly in the production of the branding of the project, all the design elements for various touch points, the editorial design for the first volume of their magazine and with the experience of the event.

DAS ENDE – Berlin, 2023

Our brand signifies unwavering resilience in the enduring face of life's hardships and challenges.
At its core, it features a determined marathon runner in mid-stride, symbolizing the physical and mental strength required for this arduous journey. The bold typography and unevenly extended characters evoke a sense of determination and resilience in the face of prolonged difficulties.

This logo serves as an emblem of inspiration,
urging all to push beyond their limits and conquer their own life marathons.

The art direction draws its essence from the vibrant streets of major cities.
The urban landscape serves as our canvas, with asphalt as our foundation and graffiti as our expressive language.

We've harnessed the undeniable presence of the human spirit that thrives amidst the bustling metropolis, weaving it into the very fabric of our creative work. This endeavor is not just a visual exploration but also a symbolic journey, mirroring the rigorous demands and challenges of marathon races.

The textures of asphalt, the vivid strokes of graffiti, and the palpable human essence converge to create a visual narrative where every stroke, every texture, and every image tells the story
of a spirited and challenging urban adventure.

One meticulously crafted masterpiece: a 60-page book showcasing the works of 25 photographers and artists, celebrating the artistry and athleticism of marathon running.

Printed in stunning offset in Postdam, Germany with embossed details that you can feel beneath your fingertips. Its high-quality paper ensures that every image captures the vibrancy, emotion, and determination of these races.

The book's exclusive scent, designed by scent artist Mareike Bode, evokes an harmonious blend of nature and urban elements, immerses you in the marathon experience.

In the heart of Berlin's iconic Torstrasse 66, a part of the very marathon route we celebrate, we curated a gallery experience unlike any other. The gallery space, a canvas in itself, was entirely awash in pristine white, setting the stage for a captivating encounter with the marathon's essence. Here, the photographs adorned the walls in an asymmetrical dance,

drawing viewers into an immersive journey.

The gallery was infused with the exclusive scent meticulously designed by Mareike Bode, a fragrance that acted as an invisible guide, leading visitors on a path of introspection. This carefully orchestrated atmosphere prompted a profound exploration of the marathon's core, revealing unseen facets and narratives through the lens of these remarkable photographs, inviting all to delve deeper into the marathon's soul.

The vernissage of our event was an unforgettable convergence of creative minds, athletic spirits, and global diversity. Photographers, artists, and passionate runners from over 10 countries came together under one roof to revel in the captivating gallery experience.

As the artistry and athleticism intertwined on the walls, a panel discussion featuring three distinguished figures deeply rooted in the world of running enriched our understanding of the marathon's essence.