Academy Graz

The analytical view of Manfred Willmann

Willmann photographed Alfred Kolleritsch in 1979.(Bild: Manfred Willmann)

A selection from Manfred Willmann's rich oeuvre is on display at the Akademie Graz in its current exhibition. It is an encounter with the fullness of life, filtered through the analytical gaze of the multi-award-winning Styrian photographic artist.

The opening of the exhibition, at which the Akademie Graz premises at Neutorgasse 42 were bursting at the seams, proved that Manfred Willmann needs no further introduction. Small talk was the order of the day, as it was impossible to get close to the exhibited works due to the dense crowds. However, this can still be done until March 29.

Different series of works
And it is worth taking a closer look at the selected examples from Willmann's diverse series of works, which often span many years. The photo artist only shows everyday situations at first glance. His concepts go much deeper, exploring the possibilities of photography in every single shot, telling of social backgrounds and playing with our clichéd expectations.

From the series Arusha, 1980(Bild: Manfred Willmann)

Willmann mostly uses motifs in his immediate vicinity, showing both the beautiful and the ugly sides of rural life, looking his friends in the face, revealing private details without catering to voyeurism. The works on display range from 1980 to 2005 and include both well-known and rarely shown shots. For example, of the trip to Tanzania and life in Arusha.

"The Winners" (1979/1989)(Bild: Manfred Willmann)

It is a full compendium that can be seen in this exhibition. And it provides a good insight into the working methods of Manfred Willmann, who not only has his merits as a photographic artist, but also as the founder and long-standing editor of the photo magazine "Camera Austria".