Street moments in the Ludwig Museum: Masterpieces of Street Photography!

Street moments in the Ludwig Museum: Masterpieces of Street Photography!

in the heart of Cologne, in the renowned Museum Ludwig, an exciting exhibition has opened its gates, which not only inspires photography lovers. By October 12, 2025, visitors can admire the works of three outstanding representatives of Street Photography: Garry Winogrand, Lee Friedlander and Joseph Rodriguez. This exhibition is the first in the new photo rooms of the museum and curated by the estimated Barbara Engelbach.

Garry Winogrand's work is particularly fascinating. His photo "Untitled" from the "Women Are Beautiful" series from around 1970 shows a scene in which a woman in a short skirt meets a man in a suit. Winogrand mastered it masterfully to capture the everyday encounters in the urban area and to reflect on society with a critical look. This type of documentation is the heart of Street Photography, which has developed since the mid -20th century, influenced by the handiness of cameras such as the Leica. With these devices, photographers were able to capture fleeting moments in public, which creates a feeling of authenticity and dynamics.

social aspects through the lens

Lee Friedlander's photos also express the social aspects of the 1960s and 1970s. An example shows a construction worker and a chic dressed woman who cross between glass doors of a building. These everyday observations are part of a profound analysis of society and its dynamics. Friedlander's application of reflections and shadows in his compositions surprised and stimulates thinking while at the same time questioning the conventional image standards.

Joseph Rodriguez, on the other hand, brings another dimension to the exhibition. With his picture "Pulaski Skyway, New Jersey" from 1984, he interviews the realities of life in poor suburbs. Rodriguez actively interacts with the people he photographs. Many of his work are provided with comments that bring the viewer closer to the stories of the portrayed. So he gives visibility to the often ignored voices in society, which makes its pictures particularly impressive.

insights into the genre of Street Photography

Street Photography as a genre is not only a documentary photography, but also a creative game with the perception of everyday life. The idea of ​​Henri Cartier-Bresson's "decisive moment" emphasizes how important it is to capture the fleeting moment. This philosophy runs through the works of all three artists and makes the exhibition an exciting experience for everyone who wants to dive into the world of street photography.

The photographs are framed behind glass and in Passepartout, which emphasizes the compositions and illustrate the different perspectives of these three photographers. With a very special view of the world of public space, Winogrand, Friedlander and Rodriguez invite visitors: inside, discovering the variety of urban experiences. If you want to learn more about the inspiring stories of the photographer: inside, you can use Choices and Museum Ludwig and Street Photography