“In order of appearance.” Show of the Düsseldorf Academy of Art in the Museum K21. Until 08.03.2020
20. February 2020
Three stars superior for Meerbusch
20. May 2020
Open again!
With the reopening of the museums, the Dusseldorf Kunstpalast (Dusseldorf Art palace) opens its doors again, and tells us “Untold Stories”. Maybe a picture says more than a thousand words ?
“Untold Stories” can be seen until the end of May 2020 in the Düsseldorf Kunstpalast. And what is so special about them? They are richly illustrated. The large photographs hang close together, and actually cover most of the walls completely. Because the material is extensive. The exhibition shows the first, and at the same time, the last comprehensive exhibition of the work of photographer and filmmaker Peter Lindbergh (1944 – 2019), which he curated entirely by himself. Because shortly after the completion of his selection in autumn 2019, Peter Lindbergh died unexpectedly.
Big stars and iconic images
The exhibition includes over 140 photographs since the 80s. It is not intended to be a retrospective of a life’s work, but rather a “best of”. Peter Lindbergh’s “classics” are naturally included. Spectacular fashion photography is probably the first thing that comes to mind when the name of this photographer is mentioned. For he has spectacularly reinterpreted the expression of fashion photography. He photographed the cover for Anna Wintour’s first and revolutionary edition of American Vogue in November 1988, and was the first photographer to bring together Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington for a joint shoot, creating an iconic image of the “supermodel” phenomenon with his sensational cover picture of British Vogue in January 1990.
From Peter Lindbergh there are famous portraits of many international stars. Catherine Deneuve, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlotte Rampling, Nastassja Kinski. Or Tina Turner, John Travolta, Madonna, Sharon Stone, John Malkovich. Also Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, or Jeanne Moreau. And this list is far from complete.
Very private insights
Peter Lindbergh has also selected completely different pictures for his very personal exhibition. Even those he had never published before. Perhaps because they are difficult to classify, and to be put with some “label” in a drawer. Among them are landscapes and still lifes. Or street scenes, and a photo of a dolphin. But also an impressive film about a man on American death row. A special work, to close the show. Lindbergh films over 30 minutes in one shot, and shows a man who is certain of his death.
Peter Lindbergh is very close to the people he photographs. I suppose you say that about many good photographers. But this is not meant to be a worn-out platitude here, but rather distinguishes an image that really touches from a mere “nice photo”.
How cautious and respectful, how personal, and at the same time with the distance, that is necessary for the other person to still feel comfortable in his or her vulnerability, all this is shown here in an impressive exhibition.
Not only for people who simply enjoy good photography, and maybe especially for those who are not so much into the slick glamour and glitter of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Go there! It’s worth it. Have a good time!
