Kein schöner Land… (No fairer Land…)

Dirk Reinartz (1947–2004) shaped reportage photography and photographic documentation in Germany like few before or after him. From his extensive œuvre, Kein schöner Land… (No fairer Land…) at f³ – freiraum für fotografie presents a selection of images from the archive holdings of the F.C. Gundlach Foundation and the Deutsche Fotothek Dresden. This focuses specifically on German identity with all its contradictions and historical anchoring as well as its reorientation after 1989. Particularly after the last state elections in East Germany, the historical continuities that lead up to the here and now become clear.

A large part of Dirk Reinartz’s photographic oeuvre was commissioned: with numerous publications in journals and magazines such as Stern, Merian, ZEITmagazin and art between 1971 and 2004, as well as representation by the VISUM photo agency, Dirk Reinartz’s photographs had a reach that is almost unimaginable today. In addition, there were free serial works, beginning with the book project Kein schöner Land (1978–1987), in which Reinartz compiled a swan song to the visual expression of the German spirit from his previous work. Borrowed from the folk song in the spirit of 1848, ironically refracted for the book and series by Reinartz, the exhibition once again makes use of the awkward and yet apt title. No one can misunderstand it as a paean to the German nation “at this time”. 

In his life’s work, Dirk Reinartz deals with mental states and sensitivities, socio-political developments and cultural idiosyncrasies, particularly at the interfaces of the “Two Germanies”. 

The exhibition is accompanied by an autobiographical slide show. In addition, the photographic works on the wall will be accompanied by facsimiles of the original publications.

OPENING: December 5, 2024, 7 pm | Admission free!
Greeting: Katharina Mouratidi (Artistic Director f³ – freiraum für fotografie).
Speakers: Sebastian Lux and Franziska Mecklenburg (F.C. Gundlach Foundation).

In cooperation with:

Image: Untitled, Alte Jakobstraße, Berlin-Kreuzberg 1978–1987, from the series Kein schöner Land © Dirk Reinartz Archive, F.C. Gundlach Foundation + Deutsche Fotothek Dresden