“Angela Merkel. Portraits 1991-2021” with Herlinde Koelbl

Herlinde Koelbl on ‘Angela Merkel. Portraits 1991-2021’ in conversation with Bernd Riegert

In conversation with Bernd Riegert, deputy studio manager at Deutsche Welle in Brussels, Herlinde Koelbl presented her documentary portrait ‘Angela Merkel. Portraits 1991–2021’ (Taschen) in words and pictures. She spoke about her annual portrait sessions with Merkel over a period of 30 years. Between 1991 and 2021, Angela Merkel had her picture taken every year by the great German photographer Herlinde Koelbl. Each encounter resulted in portraits that trace the astonishing rise of the now former chancellor, who started out as a political outsider and became one of the most powerful politicians in the world.

Herlinde Koelbl’s unique photographic long-term study impressively illustrates how political power shapes people and how world history played out in this unique biography. From the various photo shoots extending across decades and the conversations that took place, a remarkable relationship emerged which today provides a valuable contemporary testimony of modern political history. In conversation with Bernd Riegert, Deputy Studio Director of Deutsche Welle in Brussels, Herlinde Koelbl presents her documentary portrait "Angela Merkel. Portraits 1991-2021" (Taschen) in words and pictures. 

19:00 Welcome
Uwe Rau, Deputy Director of the Institute and Head of Language Work with a Regional Mandate for South-West Europe
Dr. Franziska Humphreys, Representative of the European Network German Brussels

19:15 Greeting
Martin Kotthaus, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Belgium

19:30 Angela Merkel. Portraits 1991-2021
Herlinde Koelbl in conversation with Bernd Riegert Participation for EU officials and ministerial officials from the Permanent Representations of the EU Member States and interested parties