Andri Pol Donates 60,000 Photographs to Fotostiftung Schweiz, Retrospective 'Poliversum' Opens in Winterthur

Swiss photographer Andri Pol has given his photographic estate — more than 60,000 images, largely digital — to the Fotostiftung Schweiz, the Winterthur foundation established in 1971 that holds the archives of over 160 photographers and, together with the city's Fotomuseum, more than 30,000 publications on photography. The donation prompted the institution to ask how archives must change for an increasingly technology-connected world. Marking Pol's 65th birthday and a career of more than 40 years, the retrospective 'Poliversum' runs at the Fotostiftung until 6 December and is also accessible online through the foundation's archive. Curator and author shaped the show together, weighing commissioned and self-initiated work, reportage and portraits, and organising it into thematic sections. Coloured dividing walls of varying shades replace the white standard of contemporary exhibitions, turning the institutional space into something more domestic; the walls become part of the experience rather than a neutral backdrop. A section devoted to 'Grüezi' features images from Pol's 2006 book, which portrays his native country in 350 photographs, from popular traditions to high-society customs. Pol, who defines himself as photographer, reporter and editor, has worked for decades with Swiss news outlets while pursuing personal projects.