Photographers who left a mark: Bernd & Hilla Becher

Bernd and Hilla Becher: Architects of Industrial Memory

Bernd and Hilla Becher’s work has profoundly impacted my understanding of photography and its potential to document and preserve history. This remarkable duo from Germany dedicated their careers to systematically photographing industrial structures, creating a visual archive that highlights the beauty and complexity of these often-overlooked buildings. I discovered their work very early in my photography career, as they were teaching in Düsseldorf, close to my hometown Aachen, and their works were often on show at museums and galleries in Aachen’s then vital art scene. It is hard to overlook, that their work has deeply inspired my photography. 

The Bechers are renowned for their methodical approach to photography, capturing water towers, blast furnaces, and coal mines with a precision that borders on scientific. Their black-and-white images, often presented in typological grids, reveal the subtle variations and inherent beauty in industrial architecture.

What I find most inspiring about the Bechers’ work is their ability to transform functional structures into objects of art. Their dedication to preserving these images has not only influenced the field of architectural photography but also ensured that these historical structures are remembered.

Their influence extends beyond their own work, shaping the practices of many contemporary photographers. The Düsseldorf School of Photography, which includes prominent figures like Andreas Gursky and Thomas Struth, owes much to the Bechers’ pioneering vision.

I highly recommend diving deep into their unique typologies. Their photography offers a unique perspective on the intersection of art, history, and industry.

#Photography #Becher #Art

Bernd and Hilla Becher were a pioneering duo in the field of photography, known for their systematic and rigorous documentation of industrial structures. Their work has significantly influenced contemporary photography, particularly in the genre of typology and architectural photography.

Some key aspects of their career include:

• Background: Bernd Becher (1931-2007) and Hilla Becher (1934-2015) were both born in Germany and met while studying at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. They began collaborating in the late 1950s, combining their interests in architecture and photography.
• Style: The Bechers are best known for their black-and-white photographs of industrial buildings such as water towers, blast furnaces, and coal mines. They employed a methodical approach, often photographing structures from multiple angles to create a comprehensive visual record.
• Typologies: Their work is often presented in grids or series, known as typologies, where similar structures are displayed together to highlight their formal qualities and variations. This approach emphasizes the geometric and repetitive nature of industrial architecture.
• Legacy: The Bechers’ work has been highly influential, particularly on the Düsseldorf School of Photography, which includes notable photographers like Andreas Gursky, Thomas Struth, and Candida Höfer. Their dedication to documenting industrial architecture has preserved an important part of cultural and industrial history.
• Exhibitions: Their photographs have been exhibited internationally in major museums and galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. They received numerous accolades throughout their careers, including the prestigious Erasmus Prize.