ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Diane Arbus retrospective at Berlin's Gropius Bau presents 454 prints, many never shown before

exhibition · 2026-04-19

The exhibition 'Diane Arbus: Konstellationen' at Berlin's Gropius Bau is the largest showcase of the photographer's work, displaying 454 prints until 18 January. Many of these images have not been seen by the public before. Originating from LUMA Arles and the Park Avenue Armory, the exhibition features Arbus's black-and-white portraits from the late 1950s that challenge conventional aesthetics. The layout invites visitors to explore non-chronologically, mirroring her relational approach. Prints were prepared by Neil Selkirk, a former student. Arbus made history as the first photographer to be featured in the Venice Biennale and on the cover of Artforum. Her renowned portfolio includes 'Identical Twins, Roselle, N.J., 1967.' Gropius Bau's Director, Jenny Schlenzka, noted that recent retrospectives have solidified her legacy.

Key facts

  • Diane Arbus: Konstellationen is on view at Gropius Bau in Berlin until 18 January
  • The exhibition features 454 prints, many never shown publicly before
  • Arbus's black-and-white portraits were captured between the late 1950s and her death in 1971
  • Neil Selkirk, Arbus's former student, prepared the prints for the exhibition
  • Arbus was the first photographer included in the Venice Biennale and featured on the cover of Artforum
  • The exhibition includes Arbus's portfolio 'A Box of Ten Photographs,' sold to Richard Avedon, Jasper Johns, and Bea Feitler
  • Contemporary photographers influenced by Arbus include Nan Goldin, Rineke Dijkstra, and Deana Lawson
  • The exhibition originated from LUMA Arles and the Park Avenue Armory in New York

Entities

Artists

  • Diane Arbus
  • Nan Goldin
  • Rineke Dijkstra
  • Deana Lawson
  • Neil Selkirk
  • Richard Avedon
  • Jasper Johns
  • Mae West
  • James Brown
  • Bea Feitler

Institutions

  • Gropius Bau
  • LUMA Arles
  • Park Avenue Armory
  • Venice Biennale
  • Artforum
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • Jeu de Paume
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Diane Arbus Archive
  • LUMA Foundation
  • Aesthetica Magazine
  • Harper's Bazaar

Locations

  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Arles
  • France
  • New York
  • United States
  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Paris
  • San Francisco
  • Ontario
  • Canada
  • New Orleans
  • New Jersey

Sources