Herlinde Koelbl is one of Germany’s most renowned photographic artists. She mostly works on long-term photographic projects, often complemented by in-depth interviews. Her photographs have been shown at numerous international exhibitions and are represented in many major collections. Do not miss this unique opportunity to hear about her latest projects.
Targets
Introduction by Herlinde Koelbl
Thirty years ago, on an ice-cold winter day in the first light of morning, I photographed a target for the first time. A shot-up, perforated metal figure standing in the furrows of a field. At that time I was working on a history of the Bundeswehr. However, this image was never published. It was of purely personal interest to me, and stuck in my memory. A symbol for violence and death. Six years ago I took up this subject again.
I was interested in the targets on which soldiers were trained to shoot. Or, as a trainer said, “They are supposed to learn to hit, not shoot.” Who is the bad man? What does he look like – the enemy that they are later expected to kill? Is it an abstract figure? Does it have a gender and if so, which? Are there cultural differences? Has the image of the enemy changed?
It has changed.
About Herlinde Koelbl
© Johannes Rodach
Herlinde Koelbl is one of the major political photographers in Germany. Her photos addressing burning issues of the time have made her known worldwide. Koelbl combines a journalistic documentary approach with high artistic standards in a way uniquely her own.
»With each new work, Herlinde Koelbl writes a chronicle of the age, similar to the novelists of the past, like a Zola or a Balzac, using merely a different medium.«
Harald Martenstein, Der Tagesspiegel 09/08/2001
Back
