Bernd and Hilla Becher, famous German artists of the second half of the 20th century, contributed enormously to the development of world photography.
Their work on architectural photography applies to dozens of typologies. Bernd and Hilla Becher were those who developed typology as a method of work in modern art photography. It is about taking pictures of the same type of objects placed in unified conditions.
At first, this style of photography was perceived as a purely German phenomenon and was associated with such qualities of the German character as systematic approach, accuracy, consistency, and exact planning. Today, this method of photography has become international.
Bernd and Hilla Becher have filmed a wide variety of industrial buildings and constructions when travelling worldwide. ‘Water Towers’ is the most famous series associated with their names.
The project of MKIK is called ‘Bernd and Hilla Becher in Russia’.
GOAL
Exhibition of photographs of water towers of the Moscow Oblast in the MKIK gallery.
The concept of the project presupposes that students create a typology of Russian water towers. They look for these constructions and take pictures of them in the style as close to the style of the Bechers as possible. Bernd and Hilla Becher have visited Russia to take part in exhibitions. However, they have never photographed industrial buildings here. Their work fell on those years of the 20th century when our countries were divided. Each project by Bernd and Hilla Becher is to some extent unfinished because they could not physically cover the entire world when shooting certain architectural types. The MKIK project’s implementation makes it possible to continue their famous project in time and space.
METHODS
Looking for water towers, architectural monuments of the 20th century, travelling to the place where they are located and taking pictures of them. Selection of materials and formation of an exposition.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Strengthening of cultural ties between Russia and Germany.
Archivation of monuments of industrial architecture.
Development of professionalism of MKIK students in the field of architectural photography.
Demonstration of the continuity of generations of photographers and the connection of photographic styles and cultures.
