The concept behind the exhibition is to show the interaction between various era and approaches, without being didactic or strictly chronological, and to put the focus firmly on the city, the street and the domestic environment as the main stage on which social and political issues are played out.
Among the works in this cross-generational exhibition, the photographs by Evelyn Hofer and Tobia Zelony’s images of the US town of Trona provide compelling portrayals of the interaction between the individual and the environment, while at the same time showing places that symbolise a certain way of life and even destiny. The juxtaposition of such important photographers from both past and present – such as August Sander and Wolfgang Tillmans – provide an insight not only into the differences but also into the similarities of artistic approaches to photography across the ages. Post-feminist positions by Cindy Sherman and Nan Goldin remind viewers of the boundaries of identity and society, and the limits of convention and freedom.
The urban environment in all its ambiguity – inside and outside, street and home – become the face, the symbol and ultimately the stage of economic decline, human destiny and abject tragedy.
Concept: Michael Buhrs, Ingvild Goetz, Verena Hein und Karsten Löckemann
Curated by Verena Hein und Karsten Löckemann
