Werner Bischof's color photographs on display at MASI Lugano
The 'Unseen Colors' exhibition at MASI Lugano presents an impressive collection of over one hundred digital color prints by Swiss photographer Werner Bischof (Zurich, 1916 – Trujillo, 1954). This initiative was sparked when his son, Marco Bischof, discovered negatives from the 1940s, which were restored and categorized according to the cameras utilized: a Devin Tri-Color Camera, a Rolleiflex, and a Leica. The display includes original negatives and contemporary newspapers, as well as images from the Devin Tri-Color. Bischof's experiences during World War II shaped his artistry, showcasing post-war Germany alongside photographs from Europe in 1946-1947. The Rolleiflex features Italy and Japan, while the Leica chronicles his last travels in America, Mexico, and Peru. He studied under Hans Finsler, merging artistic photography with documentary styles.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Unseen Colors' at MASI Lugano features over 100 digital color prints by Werner Bischof.
- Negatives from the 1940s were rediscovered by his son Marco Bischof.
- Each negative consists of three plates that combine to form a color image.
- Prints are organized by camera: Devin Tri-Color, Rolleiflex, and Leica.
- The Devin Tri-Color Camera was purchased by editors of Swiss magazine DU.
- World War II experience influenced Bischof's shift from studio to documentary photography.
- Rolleiflex series in Italy and Japan are considered his aesthetic peak.
- Bischof's final journey covered America, Mexico, and Peru.
- He studied with Hans Finsler, pioneer of New Objectivity.
Entities
Artists
- Werner Bischof
- Marco Bischof
- Hans Finsler
Institutions
- MASI Lugano
- Magnum Photos
- DU
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Trujillo
- Peru
- Lugano
- Italy
- Japan
- Germany
- Europe
- America
- Mexico