Gisèle Freund

Gisèle Freund's (1908-2000) reputation as one of the most famous photographers of the 20th century is largely due to her portraits of artists such as James Joyce, Simone de Beauvoir, Virginia Woolf and Frida Kahlo. Just over fifty portraits were selected for the exhibition at the Akademie der Künste. Digitally processed according to the latest technical standards, the photos have now reacquired their original, lively colours.


A total of 280 colour and black and white photographs taken between 1935 and 1965, contact sheets, vintage images and exhibition prints, are divided into 14 chapters. The selection focuses above all on personalities from the world of literature, with whom Gisèle Freund had close or fleeting encounters during their lives.


Special space is given to Gisèle Freund's relationship to Walter Benjamin, with whom, in addition to sharing a common interest in art and sociology, she was joined in friendship and solidarity during their exile in Paris.


Further information at: ADK