I feel like almost everyone has been in this predicament; you’re a few hours from leaving to the airport after a whirlwind adventure in a dope new city, and you still haven’t picked up any souvenirs for your friends, colleagues and family. I think that in North America, it has definitely become somewhat of an expectation that when you return home, you will meet your for dinner and hash out all your experiences, and then present them with a little piece from that part of the world. Sounds familiar right? Or if you’re like me, you also want to bring home a momento for yourself, and you wouldn’t mind splurging on it.
But usually, don’t we all end up with keychains, mugs, magnets or little trinkets that do nothing but collect dust? Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring up something exciting, interesting and not that expensive, while supporting the local artists in the city you visited? Well, thankfully now you can! In Berlin at least… The Notre Goût Concept Gallery right beside Berlin’s War Memorial is just the place for you to hit up when you are in the city. This bright and modern gallery features various graphic novels (yes thats comic books!) that are the perfect way for you to bring home a piece of real history. The stories depict the struggles of the East / West divide and are all conceptualized, created and produced here in Berlin. There is also beautiful prints in various sizes, and other chic home goods that honestly you could only buy in Berlin – like the money candelabras or mini pommes frites (french fries!).
So stop lugging those magnets and keychains home, and instead pick up an original Berlin sketch, or an adult graphic novel discussing how a young woman’s teachers smuggled her into the West to complete her exams when the border was officially closed. Insightful, educational, and damn cool. Doesn’t get better then that, right?
