"Bernd & Hilla Becher History of a Method" exhibition in Köln

Alex Benjamin · Aug 20, 2025

At Die Photographische Sammlung, September 5th, 2025, to February 1st, 2026.

From the website:

For the first time in Europe, this exhibition will present the methodological and thematic range of their oeuvre in great detail with over 300 original black and white photographs and other exhibits by the artist couple. In the individual sections, almost all of Becher's found subjects can be located in a compilation and sequencing largely determined by themselves. Photographs of landscapes, winding towers, blast furnaces, cooling towers, gas tanks or even views of entire collieries etc. are considered her trademark. The juxtaposition of the groups of works authentically conveys the pictorial grammar developed by Bernd and Hilla Becher and their continuously reflected systematics and conceptual approach.

Bernd & Hilla Becher – History of a Method

photographie-sk-kultur.de

joho · Aug 22, 2025

thanks for the info tid-bit...
I will pass by Koln to see it,

reddesert · Aug 22, 2025

I saw a large exhibition of the Bechers' work, I think at the Met Museum in New York about 3 years ago. Possibly similar content to this one. Highly recommend it. Of course, for many artists you gain an appreciation when you see a large collection of their work, rather than just 2-3 pieces among others. But I think this is especially true for the Bechers' project.

Alex Benjamin · Aug 22, 2025

reddesert said:
I saw a large exhibition of the Bechers' work, I think at the Met Museum in New York about 3 years ago. Possibly similar content to this one. Highly recommend it. Of course, for many artists you gain an appreciation when you see a large collection of their work, rather than just 2-3 pieces among others. But I think this is especially true for the Bechers' project.

i also saw that Met Museum Becher exhibition. One of the best photo shows I've ever seen. If the Köln one is similar, it will be quite an event.

skahde · Aug 29, 2025

Alex Benjamin said:
i also saw that Met Museum Becher exhibition. One of the best photo shows I've ever seen. If the Köln one is similar, it will be quite an event.

I'm afraid that would be asking a little too much. The SK-Kultur exhibtion area is rather small and boxy. The video below is in german but after 5:30 you get a look inside. On the plus-side entrance is free on first thirsday of the month if that fits anyones schedule.

I hope the lighting will be better than what they had in place above or I will have to bring a torchlite.

Arthurwg · Aug 29, 2025

The thing that stuck me from the Met show was the total lack of technical "artistry" of the prints, as if that lack of inflection or printing "skill" was part of the idea. In a way, that reminded me of Lewis Baltz, whose work was not dependent on "print quality." Kinda the opposite of Ansel Adams, who I consider to be a pictorialist. Indeed, Baltz may have come upon that conception via the Bechers.

skahde · Aug 29, 2025

My wife told me this evening plans are made to visit cologne. I hope I will find enough time to also make it to mediapark.

Alex Benjamin · Aug 29, 2025

Arthurwg said:
The thing that stuck me from the Met show was the total lack of technical "artistry" of the prints, as if that lack of inflection or printing "skill" was part of the idea.

That's interesting. I think there is indeed an "intent of non-artistic intent", so to speak. If I recall — I'd have to check —, they also preferred shooting on overcast days. It's as if deep shadows and high contrast visual material would interfere in the revelation of the subject itself.

MattKing · Aug 29, 2025

Alex Benjamin said:
That's interesting. I think there is indeed an "intent of non-artistic intent", so to speak. If I recall — I'd have to check —, they also preferred shooting on overcast days. It's as if deep shadows and high contrast visual material would interfere in the revelation of the subject itself.

That preference might be a result of an intention that the prints all show a consistently similar style.

Arthurwg · Aug 30, 2025

Alex Benjamin said:
That's interesting. I think there is indeed an "intent of non-artistic intent", so to speak. If I recall — I'd have to check —, they also preferred shooting on overcast days. It's as if deep shadows and high contrast visual material would interfere in the revelation of the subject itself.

MattKing said:
That preference might be a result of an intention that the prints all show a consistently similar style.

Exactly.

"Bernd & Hilla Becher History of a Method" exhibition in Köln

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