This exhibition, 'EYES WIDE OPEN! 100 Years of Leica Photography – Part II – The Contemporaries', showcases the impact of the Leica camera on modern photography. It features works by contemporary artists who have utilized the Leica's capabilities to capture iconic and spontaneous imagery, highlighting its role in shaping visual memory.
"EYES WIDE OPEN!" delves into the revolutionary history of Leica photography, marking 100 years since the invention of the camera that profoundly altered how the world is viewed and documented. The exhibition, presented jointly by WestLicht. Museum for Photography and OstLicht. Gallery for Photography, is divided into two parts. This specific section, Part II at OstLicht. Gallery for Photography, focuses on the contemporary artists who have continued the Leica tradition. It features works from photographers such as Nobuyoshi Araki, René Burri, Mark Cohen, Alberto Garcia-Alix, Bruce Gilden, and many others, demonstrating the camera's enduring appeal for capturing spontaneous, extreme, and impactful perspectives in an accelerated age. The Leica's compact design, advanced lens, quiet mechanics, and fast shutter speed enabled unprecedented photographic freedom, influencing generations of artists and embedding their images into collective memory.
This part of the exhibition displays photographs that exemplify the ongoing impact of Leica on contemporary visual culture. It traces the evolution of street photography and documentary styles, showcasing how artists continue to leverage the camera's unique attributes. The exhibition serves as a testament to Henri Cartier-Bresson's sentiment that 'The Leica is the extension of my eye,' highlighting the profound connection between the photographer and their tool in creating lasting visual narratives.