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Bernd and Hilla Becher's 1988 Photographic Series 'New York Water Towers' Featured

artist · 2026-04-22

The photographic series 'New York Water Towers' by Bernd and Hilla Becher, created in 1988, comprises 15 black-and-white images. These works are part of the collection at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain. The series documents industrial structures, specifically water towers in New York, reflecting the Bechers' typological approach to photography. Information about this series was posted on artcritical.com on September 22, 2010. The Bechers are renowned for their systematic documentation of industrial architecture, influencing conceptual art and photography. Their work often highlights the aesthetic and formal qualities of functional structures. This series continues to be studied for its contribution to the documentation of urban infrastructure.

Key facts

  • Bernd and Hilla Becher created 'New York Water Towers' in 1988
  • The series includes 15 black-and-white photographs
  • The works are in the collection of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid
  • The series documents water towers in New York
  • Information was posted on artcritical.com on September 22, 2010
  • The Bechers are known for typological photography of industrial structures
  • Their work influences conceptual art and photography
  • The series focuses on the aesthetic qualities of functional architecture

Entities

Artists

  • Bernd Becher
  • Hilla Becher

Institutions

  • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
  • artcritical

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Madrid
  • Spain

Sources