Dirk Reinartz (1947-2004) shaped reportage photography and photographic documentation in Germany like few before or after him. Kein schöner Land... at f³ - freiraum für fotografie is showing a selection of images from his extensive oeuvre from the archive holdings of the F.C. Gundlach Foundation and the Deutsche Fotothek Dresden. This focuses specifically on German identity with all its contradictions and historical anchors, as well as its reorientation after 1989. The historical continuities that lead up to the here and now become clear, especially after the last state elections in East Germany.

A large part of Dirk Reinartz's photographic oeuvre was commissioned: with numerous publications between 1971 and 2004 in journals and magazines such as Stern, Merian, ZEITmagazin and art, as well as representation by the VISUM photo agency, Dirk Reinartz's photographs had an almost unimaginable reach today. In addition, there were free serial works, beginning with the book project Kein schöner Land (1978-1987), in which Reinartz compiled a swan song to the visual expression of the German spirit from his previous work. Borrowed from the folk song in the spirit of 1848, ironically refracted for the book and series by Reinartz, the exhibition now once again makes use of the historical and yet so apt title.

In his life's work, Dirk Reinartz deals with mental states and sensitivities, socio-political developments and cultural idiosyncrasies, particularly at the interfaces between the two German states. The exhibition is accompanied by an autobiographical slide show. In addition, the photographic works on the wall will be accompanied by facsimiles of the original publications.

Opening: Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7 pm | Admission free!
Welcome: Katharina Mouratidi (Artistic Director f³ - freiraum für fotografie). Speakers: Sebastian Lux and Franziska Mecklenburg (F.C. Gundlach Foundation).

f³ - free space for photography
Waldemarstrasse 17
10179 Berlin
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-7 pm

www.fhochdrei.org