UPCOMING: Metamorphoses

Photographs by Herlinde Koelbl

Herlinde Koelbl is among Germany’s leading contemporary photographers. In her work, she mainly focused on people and their transformation in appearance shaped by time and life circumstances. This is evidenced in her work – long-term studies of prominent politicians, scientists and people from the world of business. Most notable were her productions “Spuren der Macht – Die Verwandlung des Menschen durch das Amt“ (1999) and “Angela Merkel – Portraits 1991–2021”.

Her latest group of works, however, is not about people. In Metamorphoses, she has shifted her focus to explore the world of blossoming nature. In these colourful photographs of plants and flowers, she continues her contemplation on change and transience – the eternal cycle of birth, growth and decay – and yet, metaphorically, on the human being as well. Fascinating photos, meditative videos and a sound installation bear witness to beauty in continuous change. The Herlinde Koelbl exhibition at the Bayrisches Nationalmuseum is an extraordinary highlight.

The exhibition is a contribution to the Flower Power Festival Munich 2023.