Gropius Bau Stages Intergenerational Photography Dialogue Between Peter Hujar and Liz Deschenes
From March 19 to June 28, Gropius Bau in Berlin showcases 'Peter Hujar / Liz Deschenes: Persistence of Vision.' This exhibition highlights the works of American photographers Peter Hujar (1934-1987) and Liz Deschenes (born 1966), focusing on photography as both a material practice and a conceptual exploration. Hujar is known for his intimate black-and-white portraits that capture New York's cultural landscape, while Deschenes creates photograms and sculptures that examine light and perception. Curated by Eva Respini and Monique Machicao y Priemer Ferrufino, the exhibition juxtaposes Hujar's depictions of urban decay with Deschenes' 'Retaining' sculptures. Hujar gained recognition posthumously after his AIDS-related death in 1987, influencing contemporary artists like Deana Lawson.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Peter Hujar / Liz Deschenes: Persistence of Vision' runs from 19 March to 28 June at Gropius Bau in Berlin
- Peter Hujar (1934-1987) documented New York's cultural scene from 1960s-1980s, photographing figures like Candy Darling and Susan Sontag
- Liz Deschenes (born 1966) creates photograms and sculptural works investigating light, chemistry, and perception
- Curated by Eva Respini (Vancouver Art Gallery) and Monique Machicao y Priemer Ferrufino (Gropius Bau)
- Hujar received a Fulbright scholarship to Italy in 1962 where he studied film
- Deschenes graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA
- Hujar's 1967 masterclass with Richard Avedon prompted his shift to full-time artistic practice
- The exhibition features grid installations referencing Hujar's 1986 Gracie Mansion show
Entities
Artists
- Peter Hujar
- Liz Deschenes
- Candy Darling
- William S. Burroughs
- Susan Sontag
- Richard Avedon
- Deana Lawson
- Trevor Paglen
- Candida Höfer
- David Wojnarowicz
Institutions
- Gropius Bau
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Gracie Mansion
- The Peter Hujar Archive
- VG Bild-Kunst
- Aesthetica Magazine
- berlinerfestspiele.de
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- New York City
- United States
- New Jersey
- Boston
- Vancouver
- Canada
- Italy
- Bonn