Being Human

The Kunst- und Gewerbeverein in Regensburg offers representative insights into the oeuvre of Walter Schels, one of Germany’s most critically acclaimed contemporary photographers. The selection of works, which is on view until 26 November 2023, spans from early street scenes and newborn-portraits from the 1970s and 80s, all the way to the multi-award-winning portrait series ‘Life Before Death’ (2004) and his most recent, ongoing long-term project, ‘trans*’.

For more than five decades, Walter Schels has been shining a light on people navigating extreme life situations and events. In his series and long-term studies, he investigates transformational stages of human existence – from birth and personal development, to death – without losing sight of the individuality of those he portrays.

Schels became known for his portraits of personalities such as Andy Warhol, Yehudi Menuhin, Angela Merkel or the Dalai Lama. His work is shaped by the complex relationship between photographer and protagonist. With his distinctive, black and white aesthetic, the artist has succeeded in developing an authentic visual language that blends documentary and fine-art photography, and frequently transcends conventional pictorial approaches.