Bernd & Hilla Becher Virtual Opening | Met Exhibitions

Summary

The Bechers' photographic work, systematically documenting industrial architecture like water towers and gas tanks, highlights their aesthetic qualities, transforming them into sculptural objects. Their typological approach captures the post-industrial landscape, preserving structures that are rapidly becoming obsolete. The Bechers' work not only intersects art and architecture but also engages with minimalism and conceptual art. The exhibition at The Met showcases their iconic photographs, providing insights into their creative process and legacy as educators and pioneers in fine art photography.

Takeaways

• 😀 The exhibition showcases the work of Bernd and Hilla Becher, who are renowned for their photographic documentation of industrial architecture.
• 😀 The Bechers' work is characterized by a typological approach, photographing structures like water towers and gas tanks in a scientific, systematic manner.
• 😀 The exhibition explores how the Bechers' photography elevates industrial forms to works of art by isolating them from their environments.
• 😀 The Bechers' images highlight both the sculptural beauty and the functional aspect of industrial architecture, offering a fresh perspective on everyday structures.
• 😀 The exhibition includes not only the Bechers' iconic black-and-white photographs but also preparatory materials, early works, and insights into their creative process.
• 😀 The exhibition emphasizes the Bechers' influence on minimalism and conceptual art, placing their work in the broader context of these movements.
• 😀 The Bechers' photographs are often grouped into typologies that show variations in similar industrial structures, focusing on form and detail.
• 😀 The Bechers' approach is compared to that of other minimalists and conceptual artists, including Carl Andre and Sol LeWitt.
• 😀 Despite the pandemic's challenges, the exhibition was made possible by collaboration across institutions, including The Met, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and more.
• 😀 A special thanks is given to the exhibition's contributors, including donors and institutional supporters, who made the project possible, especially Joyce Frank Menschel.

Q & A

What was the main challenge faced during the creation of the exhibition?

The main challenge faced during the creation of the exhibition was the difficulties imposed by the pandemic, which impacted teams working in Cologne, New York, and San Francisco.

Who is Joyce Frank Menschel, and what role did she play in this project?

Joyce Frank Menschel is the Curator in Charge of the Department of Photographs at The Met. She played a crucial role in pushing the project forward, especially during times when it seemed nearly impossible.

How did the pandemic affect the exhibition's creation process?

The pandemic presented significant challenges, likely causing delays and complications in coordinating efforts across different locations (Cologne, New York, San Francisco), making the creation process more difficult for all involved teams.

What role did donors play in making the exhibition possible?

The exhibition was made possible through the generous support of donors, including Joyce Frank Menschel, the Barrie A. and Deedee Wigmore Foundation, the Edward John and Patricia Rosenwald Foundation, and Linda Macklowe.

Which foundations helped fund the exhibition's catalogue?

The exhibition's catalogue was funded by the Mary C. and James W. Fosburgh Publications Fund and the Mellon Foundation.

Who were the teams involved in the exhibition's creation?

The teams involved in the exhibition's creation were based in Cologne, New York, and San Francisco, working together despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

What special acknowledgments were made in the video?

Special acknowledgments were made to the individuals who assisted with the project, especially to Jeff Rosenheim, for his continuous efforts in pushing the project forward, and to the various donors and foundations who supported the exhibition.

What was the role of Jeff Rosenheim in the project?

Jeff Rosenheim, as a key figure in the project, was acknowledged for his dedication and efforts in keeping the project moving forward, even when it seemed nearly impossible due to the challenges of the pandemic.

How did The Met express gratitude towards its donors?

The Met expressed gratitude towards its donors by recognizing their vital contributions in making the exhibition possible, including listing key individuals and foundations that supported the initiative.

What were some of the key foundations and individuals mentioned in the video?

Key foundations and individuals mentioned include Joyce Frank Menschel, the Barrie A. and Deedee Wigmore Foundation, the Edward John and Patricia Rosenwald Foundation, Linda Macklowe, the Mary C. and James W. Fosburgh Publications Fund, and the Mellon Foundation.