Germany
Berlin
2018
68
German
English, German
In a nutshell
The exhibition delves deep into the captivating world of shells and snails as seen through the lenses of iconic modern photographers like Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham. This pioneering showcase assembles a rich tapestry of images, tracing humanity’s longstanding fascination with these natural forms—from their mathematical elegance to their cosmic symbolism. Grounded in Alfred Ehrhardt’s seminal works, including his influential books “Muscheln und Schnecken” and “Geprägte Form,” the exhibition also highlights the intersection of art and science, featuring innovative techniques like X-ray photography and the New Objectivity movement. Beyond mere visual appeal, the show offers an exploration of cultural significance, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of these “structural forms in nature,” culminating in the screening of Ehrhardt’s award-winning film “Tanz der Muscheln.”
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition at the Alfred Ehrhardt Foundation serves as a timely reminder of the profound connection between art, nature, and cultural history, inviting contemporary audiences to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. In an era increasingly defined by technology and rapid change, this exploration of shells and snails highlights the enduring allure of organic forms, encouraging a return to appreciation for the intricate beauty found in nature. By showcasing how modern photographers have captured these motifs—often imbued with deep symbolic significance—the exhibition underscores the relevance of natural elements in contemporary art and design, prompting discussions about sustainability and the need for mindful engagement with our environment. Furthermore, the intersection of art and science represented in this collection resonates with current dialogues on ecological awareness, reminding us that aesthetic appreciation can foster a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit.
Curators(s)
Stefanie Odenthal
BioStefanie Odenthal is a foundation manager and curator at the Alfred Ehrhard Foundation. She is also a member of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie (DGPh).
Christiane Stahl
BioChristiane Stahl, born in Mannheim in 1963, is a distinguished art historian and curator. After studying Business French and Art History at École du Louvre, she completed her degree at FU Berlin under Prof. Dr. Eberhard König, earning the Erich-Stenger-Preis for her dissertation on photographer Alfred Erhardt. Stahl’s fascination with photography’s interplay between objective and subjective interpretation has shaped her career. She has curated notable exhibitions, including Sehsucht. Das Panorama als Massenunterhaltung des 19. Jahrhunderts at Bundeskunsthalle Bonn and Frontiers of Another Nature at Frankfurter Kunstverein. Since 2002, she has directed the Alfred Ehrhardt Stiftung and teaches photography history and theory at various institutions.
