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Precise Observer
Precise Observer
June 16, 2023
Volker Hinz: Günter Grass, Berlin 1977
© BSB/Fotoarchiv Volker Hinz
As one of Stern Magazine’s few full-time staff photographers, Volker Hinz (1947 – 2019) was a legend even during his lifetime: for more than forty years, he worked for the Hamburg-based publication, significantly shaping German photojournalism in the process. The retrospective exhibition ‘Hello, Again’, on show at the Städtische Galerie Iserlohn until June 25, 2023, offers fascinating insights into Hinz’s oeuvre of iconic portraits and reportages.
The exhibition, which was still co-initiated by the artist, not only revisits some of his most legendary images, but also includes lesser-known and previously unpublished works. At the centre of the presentation are two thematic focal points: Hinz’s work as a prolific portraitist, and his perspective on the United States. The degree to which his images transcended classic photojournalism becomes even clearer when viewing his series in such consolidated form.
With tireless energy, ambition, and profound expertise, Hinz pursued his approach – capturing timeless photographs whose artistic significance went far beyond the realm of news and current affairs. His unique eye, great sensitivity and almost stubborn endurance helped the photographer establish a firm place in the history of the medium.
Volker Hinz was precise, both as an observer and a storyteller. As he himself liked to say: “The photographer must not be a bore. There are enough boring pictures already.” The showcase is complemented by a comprehensive monograph of the same title, published by Hartmann Books.
The exhibition, which was still co-initiated by the artist, not only revisits some of his most legendary images, but also includes lesser-known and previously unpublished works. At the centre of the presentation are two thematic focal points: Hinz’s work as a prolific portraitist, and his perspective on the United States. The degree to which his images transcended classic photojournalism becomes even clearer when viewing his series in such consolidated form.
With tireless energy, ambition, and profound expertise, Hinz pursued his approach – capturing timeless photographs whose artistic significance went far beyond the realm of news and current affairs. His unique eye, great sensitivity and almost stubborn endurance helped the photographer establish a firm place in the history of the medium.
Volker Hinz was precise, both as an observer and a storyteller. As he himself liked to say: “The photographer must not be a bore. There are enough boring pictures already.” The showcase is complemented by a comprehensive monograph of the same title, published by Hartmann Books.
Volker Hinz: Günter Grass, Berlin 1977
© BSB/Fotoarchiv Volker Hinz
Volker Hinz: Muhammad Ali, L.A. 1984
© BSB/Fotoarchiv Volker Hinz
Volker Hinz: Ruth Bernhard, San Francisco 2000
© BSB/Fotoarchiv Volker Hinz
Volker Hinz: Helmut Schmidt, Hamburg 2008
© BSB/Fotoarchiv Volker Hinz