During Berlin Art Week 2026, Sunny Pudert invites guests to the Royal Suite of the legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski for ›Ordinary Tales of City Madness‹ as part of Featured Night—a multifaceted evening of text and performance.
Do you have a daily ritual that gives you structure or inspiration?
I never eat breakfast without tomatoes, and I can’t go to bed if I don’t have any tomatoes at home. On Sundays, I like to go out for a piece of cake or a donut—either with friends or on my own.
What would you do if time, money, and other resources were no object?
I would organize more exhibition projects in locations I discover while walking and pay all participating artists appropriately. I would regularly travel to Los Angeles, Bangkok, and Palma whenever I feel like it and stay as long as I feel like it. I would also move into a light-filled space in Charlottenburg, as close to Savignyplatz as possible. Feel free to reach out if you have something to offer.
Has there been a book that fundamentally changed your perspective—and why would you recommend it?
I was introduced to Ladislav Klíma by my professor Alfrun Kliems when I studied European Literatures at the Humboldt University. Reading his grotesque romanetto ›Die Leiden des Fürsten Sternenhoch‹ surprised me and brought me joy, motivation, and hope during my Master’s studies. Fin-de-siècle literature has inspired my own writing ever since.
Also: The House of Illnesses: Stories and Pictures from a Case of Jaundice‹ by Unica Zürn.
What do you wish you had known earlier?
How much class actually matters.
Where do you recharge your batteries?
In my bed.
Is there a work of art you would love to have in your home?
Jan van Kessel, ›Die vier Erdteile‹, from the panel ›Asien‹, nos. 10 and 11
Georg Schrimpf, ›Frau mit Esel‹
A sculpture by Hans Arp from the ›Concrétion humaine‹ series
Which exhibition venue in Berlin inspires you?
More often than not, it’s the well-curated exhibition I remember rather than only the space itself. It’s the combination that matters. I thought Isa Genzken at Neue Nationalgalerie was great, and Martin Wong at KW. I often like the shows at Galerie NEU. I am drawn to temporary spaces that are not traditional exhibition venues, as well as to exhibitions or events created by artists or independent curators in those contexts.
What fascinates you about Berlin?
Berlin is a city where I constantly feel the urge to escape, yet its energy and aura have kept drawing me back for almost 25 years. It must be love.
What’s one item you couldn’t live without?
Tweezers and my phone—for the camera and the notes app.
What keeps you going?
›High energy, your love is lifting me‹
Which personality would you like to have a conversation with—and what would you talk about?
The person who brought my last name into the family.
What do you look forward to when your working day comes to an end?
I look forward to picking at my face in peace.