Impromptu

Johannes Barthelmes

July 4, 2024

From 4 July to 2 August 2024, the Beyond.Reality Gallery in Berlin presents a showcase of works by musician and Leica photographer Johannes Barthelmes.
Few artists have succeeded in capturing the spirit of the Cuban capital as masterfully and sensitively as Johannes Barthelmes. For years, the German jazz saxophonist has been visiting Cuba to make music – and to take photographs.

"I fell in love with the Cuban people – with their ability to improvise and survive amidst extremely difficult economic circumstances, with their great musical talent, and their enormous zest for life," says Barthelmes. This affection, warmth and empathy can be felt in his pictures, which have already won several awards in the LFI.Gallery. After presentations in Havana, the photographer’s work will now be showcased in Berlin.

The exhibition opens at the Beyond.Reality Gallery (Schlüterstrasse 70, Berlin Charlottenburg) on 4 July with a reception starting at 5 p.m. This is followed by an Artist Talk on 27 June (from 4 p.m.). On 2 August, the exhibition will be brought to a close with a finissage.

Visitors are able to view the showcase Wednesdays to Fridays between 1 and 6 p.m., or by appointment. 
David Rojkowski
ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: © Johannes Barthelmes

Johannes Barthelmes+-

© M. Mauritz
© M. Mauritz

Johannes Barthelmes is a photographer and musician, who sees the two art forms as different and beautiful ways of reaching the same goal. Born in Speyer in 1953, he has been living in Berlin since 1980. After a break in music for health reasons, he was led to photography in 1998. Since then, he has been working with various Leica cameras – the choice of Leica being an absolute conviction. Right from the start, he wanted to primarily photograph people. His exhibitions have taken him to Spain, Cuba, Malaysia and India. He has been making music again since last year – inspired by the musicality of the Cuban people. More

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