Photography as Activism: From 60s NYC to Today

Photographer Donna Gottschalk's exhibition, 'We Others,' delves into her personal and artistic awakening in New York City during the 1960s. Her early works offer a rare glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals when homosexuality was illegal and visibility was scarce.

The exhibition features intimate family photographs, notably those of her sister, Myla, charting her journey through identity and transition. These images underscore a shared experience of growing sexuality and the harsh realities faced by the queer community, including instances of violence.

Gottschalk's powerful images, like one depicting a couple under a poster from the Revolutionary Women's Conference, blur the lines between public and political. They serve as testaments to resilience and the fight for happy, visible queer lives.

This year's Deutsche Börse photography prize exhibition showcases contemporary artists Reni Matić, Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka, and Amak Mahmoodian. Their works continue the legacy of using photography for activism, exploring themes of marginalization, solidarity, and the complexities of identity.

Matić's diaristic snapshots capture their queer community's fluidity and resilience. Atwood's stark images from women's prisons in the 1990s serve as a call for reform, exposing inhumane conditions. Gęsicka's work warns of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, while Mahmoodian's multimedia project explores the enduring human spirit and memories of homeland through the dreams of exiles.

Together, these artists utilize the camera as a vital tool for connection, protection, and bearing witness, offering a powerful commentary on societal challenges and the enduring strength of the human spirit.