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Two Pairs of Eyes
Two Pairs of Eyes
June 8, 2026
Wim Wenders
Street corner in Butte, Montana, USA 2003
Artistic production often arises through dialogue, whether due to closeness, familiarity or difference. In the constellation of a couple, this opens up even more fascinating insights into the dialogical process. The works of Donata and Wim Wenders reveal very different ways of viewing the world, yet their approaches are united by an interest in images that go beyond the purely documentary. This joint presentation opens up new perspectives on photography, perception and narrative. The interaction shows two different photographic directions that overlap yet stand apart from one another – between a cinematic way of seeing and photographic condensation, between expansiveness and intimacy, between clarity and dissolution.
Born in 1945, Wim Wenders is considered one of the most influential German directors on the international scene. His films have made cinema history and have won numerous awards. Locations always play a central role in his productions – for example in Paris, Texas (1984), Wings of Desire (1987), Buena Vista Social Club (1999) and Perfect Days (2023). At the same time, he has created his own body of photographic work. Wenders describes himself as “a traveller, then as a director or photographer”. Many of his photographs are taken whilst travelling or at film locations. They often depict landscapes and architecture in a clear, colour-rich imagery, with details that are surprising and moving. The motifs are usually devoid of any people, and yet the traces within them speak of life and existence. The photographs by Donata Wenders, born in 1965, are different: she works primarily in black and white – often focusing on people – and thrives on a minimalist visual language of light and shadow, sharpness and animated gestures. Prominent contemporaries, such as Pina Bausch and Paul Auster, feature in her pictures, as well as people who, through abstraction and blurring, are transformed into enchanting shadow figures. In her photographic installations, Donata works with experimental forms such as cross-fades, double exposures and long exposures.
The Two Pairs of Eyes exhibition presents numerous well-known – often considered iconic – motifs, as well as newer pieces from recent years. An interview produced especially for the exhibition offers additional insight into the artist couple’s working methods and creative mindsets.
Ulrich RüterBorn in 1945, Wim Wenders is considered one of the most influential German directors on the international scene. His films have made cinema history and have won numerous awards. Locations always play a central role in his productions – for example in Paris, Texas (1984), Wings of Desire (1987), Buena Vista Social Club (1999) and Perfect Days (2023). At the same time, he has created his own body of photographic work. Wenders describes himself as “a traveller, then as a director or photographer”. Many of his photographs are taken whilst travelling or at film locations. They often depict landscapes and architecture in a clear, colour-rich imagery, with details that are surprising and moving. The motifs are usually devoid of any people, and yet the traces within them speak of life and existence. The photographs by Donata Wenders, born in 1965, are different: she works primarily in black and white – often focusing on people – and thrives on a minimalist visual language of light and shadow, sharpness and animated gestures. Prominent contemporaries, such as Pina Bausch and Paul Auster, feature in her pictures, as well as people who, through abstraction and blurring, are transformed into enchanting shadow figures. In her photographic installations, Donata works with experimental forms such as cross-fades, double exposures and long exposures.
The Two Pairs of Eyes exhibition presents numerous well-known – often considered iconic – motifs, as well as newer pieces from recent years. An interview produced especially for the exhibition offers additional insight into the artist couple’s working methods and creative mindsets.
All pictures: © Wim Wenders / © Donata Wenders
Wim Wenders
Street corner in Butte, Montana, USA 2003
Wim Wenders
Woman in the Window, Los Angeles, USA 1999
Donata Wenders
News in Warsaw, Poland 2006
Wim Wenders
In Sydney, Australia 1984
Donata Wenders
The Bridge, Hangzhou, China 2024
Donata Wenders
Self-portrait I, Warsaw, Poland 1997
Wim Wenders
Self-portrait, USA 1975