Matthias Bruggmann's War Photography Infiltrated by Contemporary Art at Galerie Polaris

Matthias Bruggmann's exhibition at Galerie Polaris in Paris from November 12 to December 15, 2009, showcases his eclectic approach to war photography, blending influences from Richard Misrach's landscapes to the online game America's Army. Bruggmann, who has reported for Time Magazine and Paris-Match in conflict zones like Palestine, Iraq, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Somalia, seeks to revitalize photojournalism by borrowing from contemporary art practices. He aims to introduce distance and 'deceptivity' to counter the dominant ideology of good feelings and avoid literal interpretation, a strategy increasingly relevant as photographers work more for NGOs. The exhibition highlights a generational shift where younger photographers draw from broader cultural references beyond traditional photography, contrasting with older generations still emulating figures like Cartier-Bresson.