Inge Morath and Johanna-Maria Fritz: Dancing through Times of Uncertainty
CHAUSSEE 36 showcased the exhibition “Dancing through Times of Uncertainty,” which presents the works of Magnum photographer Inge Morath (1923-2002) and Johanna-Maria Fritz (*1994), recipient of the Inge Morath Award, to commemorate Magnum Photo’s 75th anniversary.
The photographs selected for this exhibition present a more complex perspective than the images we know from our news channels of countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Palestine. Inge Morath and Johanna-Maria Fritz’s photograph performers- jugglers, clowns, musicians, and dancers- in countries known for their political conflicts and difficult living conditions. Arts and entertainment meet a harsh reality. We see people mourning by a grave at a refugee camp. We also see armed soldiers surveilling the Gaza strip, yet a colorfully dressed clown on stilts looks back at them, holding his juggling pins. Creativity and freedom of expression can also be found in harsh environments.
Inge Morath documented everyday life on the streets of numerous countries, particularly Iran, throughout her career as a photographer. Her subjects included musicians, dancers, and other artists. The exhibition assembles some of the photographer’s iconic works as well as her lesser-known works. The photographs, most of which were taken in the 50s and 60s, carry a timeless aesthetic that is simultaneously gentle and energetic.
Morath was the second female photographer to become a full member of Magnum Photos after Eve Arnold in 1955. She remained affiliated with the agency for over 50 years. Her photographs have been exhibited worldwide at a range of renowned institutions. Twenty years after her death, it is time to honor her great chronicles of everyday life once more.
Johanna-Maria Fritz repeatedly meets people who are trying to build a life for themselves despite war and oppression: Her long-term project “Like a Bird” documented circus culture in Muslim countries. She recorded the artist’s quest to create a space of freedom for themselves and their audiences.
One of Fritz´s younger subjects from Gaza describes feeling “like a bird” in the circus. According to Fritz “The circus is a place free of religion, nationality or skin color – it is a refuge in times of uncertainty or conflict”. Her photographs attain a peculiar coloring that is simultaneously vibrant and nostalgic. They are somewhat detached from time and place- she captures moments, achieving masterful compositions and with them involves the viewer.
Fritz studied photography at the Ostkreuzschule for Photography in Berlin and has been a member of the Ostkeruz Agency since the beginning of 2019. She has been the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Lotto Brandenburg Prize and the Vg-Bild grant. In 2017 she was awarded the Inge Morath Award for her series “Like a Bird” which can be seen in the exhibition.
The exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through different countries and can – in the current socio-political climate- serve as a reminder: Art has the power to provide safe havens and encourage resilience in people during times of hardship.
Inge Morath and Johanna-Maria Fritz: Dancing through Times of Uncertainty
01.09. – 29.10.2022
Chaussee 36 – Berlin – Germany
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