Depths/Lights. The city’s visual memory. 30 + 3 years of the Punctum Leipzig photo agency
12.9.2023 – 25.2.2024
Böttchergäßchen Building, Böttchergäßchen 3, 04109 Leipzig
Together, the Museum of City History and the Punctum photographers look back at 33 years of the agency’s history, which is inextricably linked to an era of transformation and urban development. During these years, Leipzig first shrank, before returning to its growth path, all the while experiencing profound change shaped by the city’s diverse actors. The broad range of free-lance and contract work which has shaped the agency since 1990 provides particularly interesting insights. Initially, the agency was established as a “rapid response” by Eastern German creative professionals to the changed circumstances under the new market economy. In addition, the name “Punctum” refers to a mission which goes far beyond providing a mere service. Instead, it emphasises the individual artistic perspective of each photographer.
In multi-part series, and very distinct individual works, the focus is on Leipzig’s structural transformation and significant personalities within city society, as well as on major events that have become part of its collective memory.
The accompanying publication, workshops for photography enthusiasts, school classes and families, guided tours and panel discussion are available in German.