se people losing themselves in pursuit of authenticity?

In this short interview Zak Dimitrov gets deeper into the context: how does the photographer perceive this culture and does she participate in it?

Zak Dimitrov: The notion of being unique and expressing your style to such an extent that you blend in with everyone else being different is very interesting, can you tell us a bit more about it?

Sabrina Jeblaoui: We are all unique beings by default and we have this need to show it.

In free spaces such as techno clubs in Berlin, it is possible to dare everything, to cultivate a character, or to reveal a part of one’s personality through fashion and attitude (the way one dances, moves, expresses oneself).

However, the need to belong to a group and the fact that fashion has popularized techno culture has naturally led to many people wanting to be unique so much that in the end, they end up looking the same in terms of style. That’s mainstream.

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ZD: Did you think it’s important to be part of the scene to document it? Did you go to any raves and partied yourself or do you prefer not taking part?

SJ: Yes, I think it is important. When I arrived in Berlin, I partied quite intensely and it was thanks to this period that I got the idea to do this project.

Without it, I don’t think I would have been able to take so many pictures and approach people in this way. I would never have had the understanding of the Berlin techno scene otherwise.

In my opinion, you really have to experience it to understand the social norms and the people. However, when I started the project, I had stopped partying for a while and this project allowed me to transition and still keep a deep connection to the scene.

ZD: How do you interact with the people you photograph, do you ask for their permission or do you try to

Interview with Sabrina Jeblaoui. Techno subculture—losing yourself in pursuit of authenticity