Fotografiska is an international museum of contemporary photography that combines aesthetics, culture and social engagement in one place. Fotografiska was established in Stockholm, Sweden in 2010 and has grown to have branches in New York, Tallinn and Berlin, making it a world’s leading platform for visual arts. Fotografiska is not only a museum, but a platform for artists, photographers and people interested in art and social problems that can be discussed through the lens of a camera.
Regardless of whether you are a fan of photography or just a visitor, it is possible to say that Fotografiska is not just a place where exhibitions are held.
GALERY: EXHIBITIONS YOU CAN VISIT AT FOTOGRAFISKA
The venue of Fotografiska is famous for presenting exhibitions that are provocative and include both newcomers and famous photographers. Every exhibition is dedicated to different topics, and they can be environmental problems, human rights, and fashion photography. Here are five incredible exhibitions that prove that Fotografiska is serious about social justice.
1. DAVID LACHAPELLE: MAKE BELIEVE
What You’ll See: Bright, dreamlike images by an outstanding photographer and a creator of unique narratives.
Overview: The Make Believe by David LaChapelle is a spectacular show that focuses on the concept of fame, religion and change of society. LaChapelle’s photographs include celebrity portraits and surrealist images that blend entertainment with social justice concerns.
Why Visit? : LaChapelle’s work is very distinctive and combines the elements of beauty and the ridiculousness of the modern world at the same time.
2. ELLEN VON UNWERTH: DEVOTION! THIRTY YEARS OF PHOTOGRAPHING WOMEN
What You’ll See: Celebrations of womanhood, power and sexuality
Overview: Ellen von Unwerth’s work is about women, the beauty of women and the self-assuredness of women. The show covers three decades of von Unwerth’s work, including fashion, celebrities, and self-initiated work.
Why Visit? : Von Unwerth’s work is famous for its non-conventional approach to portraying women and breaking gender stereotypes and beauty norms.
3. ANASTASIA TAYLOR-LIND: The Right to Play
What You’ll See: Child and war affected areas were the two major areas of concern of documentary photography.
Overview: The Right to Play by Anastasia Taylor-Lind also presents some strong images of children in the war zones and demonstrates that children are rather strong to endure difficult conditions. Her work focuses on the human aspect of the conflict most especially the rights of children in conflict.
Why Visit? : This exhibition is a very good reminder of the effects of war and the need to uphold children’s rights in every part of the globe.
4. HELENE SCHMITZ: Thinking Like A Mountain
What You’ll See: Landscape photography with an environmental message
Overview: Helene Schmitz’s work focuses on the interaction between the natural environment and the human interference. Thinking Like a Mountain is a documentary that is aimed at making people change their attitude towards the environment and the consequences of industrialization. Schmitz takes pictures of territories in the process of change, the tension between development and conservation.
Why Visit? : In the era of climate change, this exhibition is focused on important environmental issues and the esthetic aspect of the nature.
5. COOPER & GORFER: Within these folded walls, utopia
What You’ll See: Gossamer, story-based photography focusing on the concept of self and home.
Overview: The Between These Folded Walls, Utopia by Cooper & Gorfer is a visually appealing exhibition that captures the essence of displaced people through painted images. Their art is focused on the ideas of migration, cultural identity and the general human quest for acceptance.
Why Visit? : This exhibition is the combination of the photo and the narrative; it is very emotional and the viewers can see the beauty of the art.
A UNIQUE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
Fotografiska is an example of a museum that is so much more than a museum; it is a cultural institution that reshapes the concept of a museum visit. Here’s what makes Fotografiska unique:
No Permanent Collection: Unlike most museums, Fotografiska does not possess a collection of photographs that are displayed on a permanent basis. It does not have a permanent collection but has a changing exhibition program so that whenever people visit, they will always be able to see something different.
Focus on Social Issues: Fotografiska also believes that art can be a tool to solve global issues such as climate change, human rights among others. Most exhibitions are based on social justice issues and compel the viewer to look at the world in a different perspective.
Inclusive Atmosphere: The atmosphere of the place is friendly and open, so everyone can visit Fotografiska. It is a center where people with interest in art, business people and other people who may just be passing by can be able to have a view of how powerful the art of photography is.
Café and Restaurant: Apart from the exhibitions, Fotografiska has a café and restaurant services that are of international standards and which are environmentally friendly. The concept of the menu is based on the use of plant products, which allows being environmentally friendly and creative at the same time.
FOTOGRAFISKA LOCATIONS IN THE WORLD
Fotografiska’s international expansion means that its vision of photography and culture is now available to cities across the world. Every place presents different exhibitions but all of them are aligned with the Fotografiska’s main idea of promoting the power of photography.
Stockholm: The first Fotografiska is situated in the building of Art Nouveau and since its opening in 2010 the institution became a cultural reference in Sweden.
New York: Located in the Flatiron District, Fotografiska New York was launched in 2019 and has become a center for modern art in a short time.
Berlin: Fotografiska Berlin, the latest of the series, has been established in one of the Europe’s most artistic cities.
Tallinn: Fotografiska Tallinn, situated in Estonia’s artistic Telliskivi district, is evidence of the museum’s commitment to integrating art into social discourse.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS
Education is a significant part of the Fotografiska’s mission, so the venue hosts workshops, lectures, and guided tours to enhance people’s knowledge about photography. These programs are informative for anyone interested in photography ranging from the beginners to those who just like taking pictures occasionally as they give insights into the methods, topics and narratives behind the displayed images.
Workshops are held on different subjects, including the basic and the most complex ones, and may include lectures from the exhibited photographers. These programs are intended to create an environment that motivates and informs the visitors, making the Fotografiska as a place for enlightenment and creativity.
FOTOGRAFISKA MUSEET – HOW TO PLAN YOUR VISIT
The concept of Fotografiska is a museum, no matter if you are visiting Stockholm, New York, Berlin or Tallinn. Here’s how to plan your visit:Here’s how to plan your visit:
Opening Hours:
Stockholm: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
New York: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Berlin: Monday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tallinn: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
Adults: Prices start at €15/$25/£20 (depending on the location).
Students, seniors, and children: Tickets at a throw away price
Memberships: They are available for use during the year without any restrictions.
How to Get There: All the Fotografiska branches are in the city centers and are well-connected through public transport.
CONCLUSION: LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORLD BY FOTOGRAFISKA
Fotografiska is not only an aesthetic experience, it is a venue where art and activism converge, where photography speaks about issues that are important on the international level. Whether you are fascinated by the absurdity of David LaChapelle or touched by the environmental concern of Helene Schmitz, Fotografiska wants you to see the world through the eyes of some of the most gifted photographers of the generation.
