Bonn in focus: Exhibition shows modern art in photographs

Bonn in focus: Exhibition shows modern art in photographs

The Art History Institute (KHI) at the University of Bonn is facing a significant turning point. Due to necessary renovation work, it is moving out of its main building and is moving its extensive photo collection. This collection, which is an important testimony to the history of art history, is being packaged, inventoried and digitized. This process offers students the opportunity to engage intensively with photographs in courses. Particularly noteworthy is master's student Jasmin Roth, who is fascinated by the collection and recognizes its importance for the democratization of knowledge. Her enthusiasm flows into her master's project, which culminates in a special exhibition.

The exhibition “Image of Time. Modernism and its Art in the KHI Photo Collection” will be shown in the Paul Clemens Museum from July 17th to October 17th, 2025. The opening will take place on July 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. On this evening, the audience is invited to discover the wealth of exhibits from the photography collection, which plays an important role in art history after 1945. Roth dealt intensively with thematic areas and exhibits, researched texts and organized loans.

Diverse exhibits and topics

The upcoming exhibition will feature over 100 exhibits, including photo prints of works of art such as Picasso's “The Dream.” Other artists pictured include famous names such as Piet Mondrian, Paul Cézanne, August Macke and Paul Klee. The focus is not only on the photographs themselves, but also on the photographers and their use in teaching and research. The context of the creation is made clear through letters, inventory lists and publications.

Particularly worth mentioning is the history of the photo collection, which was expanded until the 1980s. Today it contains around 100,000 black and white prints, 5,000 glass slides and numerous 35mm slides. These holdings form an important archive that addresses the media upheavals and the changes in art historical teaching after 1945. Cultural-political influences on art are also examined, which were shaped by important personalities such as Eduard Trier and Heinrich Lützeler.

A look at art history

Eduard Trier, who worked full-time at the KHI from 1972 to 1985, played a central role in contemporary art and visited many artists in their studios. This resulted in valuable photographs that are also part of the collection and are used in courses. Heinrich Lützeler, who had been a professor since 1946, dealt intensively with modern art in his courses.

The KHI photo collection has established itself over the years as an important reproduction medium for originals. Paul Clemen, who promoted the collection, set up a photo studio with a darkroom. This laid the foundation for the development and preservation of the collection, which is now invaluable for academic research. In addition to the approximately 40 photos, archive materials and books that can be seen in the exhibition, historical connections and recognized trends in art scholarship are also discussed. The exhibition therefore reflects not only the collection itself, but also the development of art and art education, which is constantly changing due to new media and technologies.

With this exhibition, the KHI offers interested parties and art lovers an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into the topic of modern art history and its photographic documentation. An invitation to explore the development and change of art as well as the role of photography in art history is at the heart of the program, which makes the exhibition particularly valuable. University of Bonn reports, KHI Bonn informed, and for further information on photography in art history, please refer to Humboldt University Berlin referred.