Meet Our Artist in Residence

 Julian is a Berlin-based photographer who shines a light on people often overlooked, revealing beauty beyond the surface. His exhibition, @error_full_of_hate, explores unseen and challenging sides of society, opening space for reflection and dialogue, and is now on display inside our hotel.

We sat down with Julian to hear what it’s like living in our hotel surrounded by his own pieces (which are on display now) and to learn what’s inspiring him today. This exhibition also marks the launch of our Artist in Residence programme, a space for creatives to share their vision and spark conversation.

Hi Julian! We’re so happy to have you here as our very first live-in artist. Where are we finding you right now,  coffee in hand, camera nearby?

It’s my first time doing something like this, and it feels special. To your question: yes, definitely coffee in hand. I love starting my mornings with a good breakfast and coffee. And the camera is always nearby, too. A photographer I once assisted told me the best camera is the one you always have with you, so for me, that’s usually my phone. So both—coffee in hand, camera close.

Now that you’ve settled in, what does a “day in the life” look like for you as an artist living and working in the hotel?

I travel a lot, so I rely on rituals to bring stability. One of my favorites is starting the day with a coffee alone in my room — I even have a small coffee machine, and it feels grounding before the day begins. The hotel itself is inspiring for photography — every day I discover new corners, colors, and backgrounds for test shoots. In the evenings, I wind down with some quiet time in my room, usually falling asleep to TV before starting fresh the next day with my morning coffee.

Being surrounded by your own work here must feel different. What’s it like seeing your pieces in this new setting as you walk past them every day?

Being surrounded by my own work is both exciting and challenging. I see it every day, which makes me reflect, notice flaws, and think about ways to improve it. Some parts, like the bar downstairs, feel complete, while others are still in progress.

What strikes me most is how much the setting changes the work. In a gallery with bright white walls, the pieces felt one way, but here — with darker tones, reds, and deep blues — they take on a new life. I was worried I’d get tired of seeing them, but the new surroundings keep the work fresh and even give it a new spark. I stay critical, but I also feel excited — both by how the art fits with the hotel and by sharing it with others. In a way, the whole space becomes part of the artwork.

« In a way, the whole space becomes part of the artwork. »

Fluxxious, by Julian Melzer in Provocateur.

We’ve felt such a natural connection between Provocateur and your work, especially in the way both invite people into a dialogue. Could you share which pieces are currently on display in the hotel and the stories or feelings behind them that guests might miss if they only wander past?

In the exhibition, the photos aren’t just images—they come with stories, so people can really connect with the lives behind them, not just what’s visible on the surface. The people I feature all exist in some way outside the norm. Nemo, the Eurovision 2024 winner, opened up about the hate they faced for using they/them pronouns. Annika, a model born with one arm, shared that her biggest struggle wasn’t society, but learning to accept herself. Fluxus, a latex performer and close friend, embodies how strength and power can also be playful and artistic. Yvonne Eidstedt, a famous drag queen, spoke about how unsafe queer people can still feel on public transport, even in Berlin. Zoë, a model from Congo with a facial scar, reflected on navigating the fashion world as a woman of color while facing both internal and external challenges. Each of them brings something raw and powerful, and together their stories give the exhibition a pulse. I feel really grateful to share that energy at the Vernissage.

« Even rebellion can have finesse. »

What’s inspiring you at the moment, in art, fashion, or life, and how do you hope people feel when they spend time with your work?

Right now, I’m really inspired by a painter I met, Jens Hausmann. He’s incredible at painting architecture, and we’re exploring a collaboration—mixing his painting with my photography. I’ve always felt connected to architecture, so this feels really exciting and familiar to me.

In fashion, I recently went to an old-school punk club in Paris and it blew me away. People of all ages were just doing their own thing; it felt free, playful, and a little sparkling, and it reminded me that even rebellion can have finesse.

When people spend time with my work, I just hope they feel inspired. Maybe they see something that sparks a conversation, pushes them out of their comfort zone, or just makes them think differently about a photo. I don’t have any expectations—whether they love it, hate it, or just glance at it, that’s all fine. If it makes them feel something, that’s enough.