Dancing through Times of Uncertainty - Inge Morath and Johanna-Maria Fritz

About

CHAUSSEE 36 showcases two exhibitions for this year's BERLIN PHOTO WEEK. The exhibitions were conceived parallel to one another, making room for dialogue between them. The first exhibition, Dancing through Times of Uncertainty, presents the works of Magnum photographer Inge Morath (1923-2002) and Johanna-Maria Fritz (*1994), recipient of the Inge Morath Award, to commemorate Magnum Photo´s 75th anniversary. Updating a Family Album is the second exhibition on view and it features the works of the acclaimed Iranian photographer Malekeh Nayiny (*1955).

Three generations of female photographers, their distinctive documentary and artistic practices, as well as the narratives they unfold can be discovered within the exhibitions. While Inge Morath and Johanna-Maria Fritz capture life and people in countries like Iran, Palestine and Russia, Malekeh Nayiny’s works reveal her and her family's experiences as native Iranians. Nayiny’s practice provides an insider's perspective on Iran and compliments the social observations that are put forward in Dancing through Times of Uncertainty.

 Dancing through Times of Uncertainty

The photographs selected for this exhibition present a more complex perspective than the images we know from our NewsChannel’s of countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Palestine. Inge Morath and Johanna- Maria Fritz’s photograph performers- jugglers, clowns, musicians and dancers- in countries known for their political conflicts and difficult living conditions. Arts and entertainment meet a harsh reality. We see people mourning by a grave at a refugee camp. We also see armed soldiers surveilling the Gaza strip, yet a colourfully dressed clown on stilts looks back at them holding his juggling pins. Creativity and freedom of expression can also be found in harsh environments.

Inge Morath documented everyday life on the streets of numerous countries, particularly Iran, throughout her career as a photographer. Her subjects included musicians, dancers and other artists. The exhibition assembles some of the photographer’s iconic works as well as her lesser-known works. The photographs, most of which were taken in the 50s and 60s, carry a timeless aesthetic that is simultaneously gentle and energetic.

Morath was the second female photographer to become a full member of Magnum Photos after Eve Arnold in 1955. She remained affiliated with the agency for over 50 years. Her photographs have been exhibited worldwide at a range of renowned institutions. Twenty years after her death it is time to honour her great chronicles of everyday life once more.

Johanna- Maria Fritz repeatedly meets people who are trying to build a life for themselves despite war and oppression: Her long-term project „Like a Bird” documented circus culture in Muslim countries. She recorded the artist´s quest to create a space of freedom for themselves and their audiences. One of Fritz´s younger subjects from Gaza describes feeling “like a bird” in the circus. According to Fritz „The circus is a place free of religion, nationality or skin colour – it is a refuge in times of uncertainty or conflict”. Her photographs attain a peculiar colouring that is simultaneously vibrant and nostalgic. They are somewhat detached from time and place- she captures moments, achieving masterful compositions and with them involves the viewer.

Fritz studied photography at the Ostkreuzschule for Photography in Berlin and has been a member of the Ostkeruz Agency since the beginning of 2019. She has been the recipient of many awards and accolades including the Lotto Brandenburg Prize, and the Vg-Bild grant. In 2017 she was awarded the Inge Morath Award for her series „like a Bird “which can be seen in the exhibition.

The exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through different countries, and can – in the current socio-political climate- serve as a reminder: Art has the power to provide safe havens and encourage resilience in people during times of hardship.