3rd place
bronze star award
Mario Basner
united states 
title
Beelitz - History Forgotten
Mario’s on-site experience was touching, emotional and very personal. He saw beauty in the unlikeliest of places. He found grandeur; felt the extraordinary passion and dedication applied by the architects. The compassion for those in need and pride in craftsmanship represented in these structures directly relate to core values and their importance in life. The surroundings felt overwhelming and profoundly humbling. The goal of the final manifestation in a large printed piece is to share those captivating impressions and invite the viewer to an evocative journey into history and courage; to open a window and provide not just a glimpse, but rather an emotional, subconscious experience through depth and realism.
As of 2016, the site has been re-purposed and the buildings underwent a complete remodel. The image series captured the final state of decay before all traces of history were painted over and disappeared forever.
Fate led him to a music career first. During his 25 year career as a professional drummer he lived in three countries, garnering credits with large productions of Cats, A Chorus Line, Mamma Mia, The Lion King and more. Additionally, Mario recorded with famed producers in Hollywood and appeared on several TV programs, i.e. Ally McBeal / Fox TV.
Mario always loved photography and used his camera primarily as a creative outlet and a source of balance. When he opened a custom b&w dark room business in Los Angeles in 2002, the desire to express his own thoughts and vision grew substantially. Mario went on to photograph commercial assignments, editorial work and operated a portrait studio for several years. His work has been published in numerous magazines in the US and Europe.
When Mario discovered a historic, abandoned site through an internet article, he had finally found his voice and his purpose. His debut in the fine art domain consisted of a multi award winning documentary of a 19th century sanatorium in Germany. The series is on exhibition in Mario's Las Vegas gallery while Mario is creating additional images for his "World Heritage Collection".
Mario currently resides in Las Vegas, NV
back to gallery
entry description
Built in 1898 as a treatment center for tuberculosis, the "Beelitz Heilstätten" hospital complex was the largest of its kind and a world leader in research and treatment. It included 60 buildings over 200ha of park-like grounds amidst a scenic forest located 1hr south of Berlin. Some sections of the hospital still remain in operation as a neurological rehabilitation center and as a center for research and care for victims of Parkinson's disease. The majority of the complex has been abandoned since 1994.Mario’s on-site experience was touching, emotional and very personal. He saw beauty in the unlikeliest of places. He found grandeur; felt the extraordinary passion and dedication applied by the architects. The compassion for those in need and pride in craftsmanship represented in these structures directly relate to core values and their importance in life. The surroundings felt overwhelming and profoundly humbling. The goal of the final manifestation in a large printed piece is to share those captivating impressions and invite the viewer to an evocative journey into history and courage; to open a window and provide not just a glimpse, but rather an emotional, subconscious experience through depth and realism.
As of 2016, the site has been re-purposed and the buildings underwent a complete remodel. The image series captured the final state of decay before all traces of history were painted over and disappeared forever.
about the photographer
Award winning photographer Mario Basner was born in Hamburg, Germany and is renowned for realism and depth in his photographs. Mario is a purist who intuitively captures the essence of what’s before him. His works provide the viewer with a unique experience, invoking thought and stimulating the senses.Fate led him to a music career first. During his 25 year career as a professional drummer he lived in three countries, garnering credits with large productions of Cats, A Chorus Line, Mamma Mia, The Lion King and more. Additionally, Mario recorded with famed producers in Hollywood and appeared on several TV programs, i.e. Ally McBeal / Fox TV.
Mario always loved photography and used his camera primarily as a creative outlet and a source of balance. When he opened a custom b&w dark room business in Los Angeles in 2002, the desire to express his own thoughts and vision grew substantially. Mario went on to photograph commercial assignments, editorial work and operated a portrait studio for several years. His work has been published in numerous magazines in the US and Europe.
When Mario discovered a historic, abandoned site through an internet article, he had finally found his voice and his purpose. His debut in the fine art domain consisted of a multi award winning documentary of a 19th century sanatorium in Germany. The series is on exhibition in Mario's Las Vegas gallery while Mario is creating additional images for his "World Heritage Collection".
Mario currently resides in Las Vegas, NV
back to gallery
