Manfred Willmann: Unveiling Conceptual Documentary Photography in Major Exhibition

This exhibition showcases the work of Austrian photographer Manfred Willmann, featuring his photo cycles 'Das Land' (1981–1993) and 'Oman' (1997). The photographs, rooted in a documentary style, explore everyday life, landscapes, and human activities with a conceptual approach that transcends simple depiction.

The exhibition at Secession presents the distinct photographic works of Manfred Willmann, an influential Austrian photographer and editor of 'Camera Austria'. The display includes two significant series: 'Das Land' (1981–1993) and 'Oman' (1997). Willmann's work is characterized by a conceptual approach to documentary photography, where he aims to capture the 'feeling of the times' and present subjects in a way that is either more beautiful or more unsettling than reality. 'Das Land' features approximately 135 photographs from South Styria, Willmann's place of residence. These images, created in a loose sequence, depict ordinary people engaged in daily activities, animals, rural settings, and landscapes. Willmann's deep connection to the region means his documentation avoids an 'exotic' urban perspective, instead presenting it as a lived environment. His artistic interventions occur during the act of capturing the image, manipulating light and perspective, often using a special flash to isolate subjects and imbue the scenes with a unique charge. The photographs are presented in a uniform format of 70 x 70 cm, matching the 6 x 6 cm slide format. In the Graphic Cabinet, photographs from the 'Oman' series (1997) are exhibited. These panoramic images, created during a journey, differ from 'Das Land' in their format (80 x 160 cm) and their focus on the horizon, which is consistently placed at the center of the frame. The 'Oman' series offers a perspective that extends beyond a specific country, moving beyond typical travel photography. This exhibition marks the first time the 'Oman' series is shown in Austria, following previous presentations in Zagreb and Trier. Willmann skillfully avoids one-sided representation and auratic pathos through his deliberate use of flash in 'Das Land' and panoramic framing in 'Oman'.

Visitor information and ticketing details are available via a link to the Secession shop, suggesting that tickets are required and can be purchased online. The page also mentions opening hours for the day of the visit, indicating the exhibition is currently on display and accessible to the public.