The group exhibition ‘Metamorphosis’ celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first photomontages by Heinz Hajek-Halke, rediscovering and celebrating the early work (1925 - 1935) of the Berlin artist and combining it with the works of a range of contemporary photomontage and collage artists.
Image gallery
Matthieu Bourel, A sight for sore eyes, 2020
Eva Stenram, Part 5 , 2013
Heinz Hajek-Halke, Der Gassenhauer, 1930
Heinz Hajek-Halke, Die üble Nachrede, 1932
Heinz Hajek-Halke, Photomontage mit Olga Tschechova, 1925
Heinz Hajek-Halke, Schwarz-Weiß-Akt, 1930
K YOUNG, Hair with Fur Rug, 2023
Mayumi Hosokura, newskin #25-tt, 2019
Miriam Tölke, Memento, 2019
Rebecca Fontaine-Wolf, Devils Muse, 2021
Hajek-Halke (1898-1983) is one of the most important experimental German photo artists of the 20th century.
In 1924, a few years after graduating from art and graphic design school in Berlin, he taught himself photography. From that point on, he worked as a press photographer for various agencies and was particularly enthusiastic about experimental work in the darkroom. Between 1925 and 1931, he specialised in photomontage. Inspired by the aesthetics and special effects of silent film, Hajek-Halke set out to explore new visual forms and creative techniques such as multiple exposure, photograms and combining negatives.
In his search for new image compositions, Hajek-Halke had been working with various techniques since the beginning of his career, such as multiple exposures and collages, which allowed him to create dynamic images inspired by cinematic images. The regular publication of his innovative photographs in illustrated magazines and newspapers brought him great fame.
Many of his photomontages have become part of the history of photography and continue to inspire generations of image-makers today. In addition to rediscovering his early work, this exhibition builds a bridge to current forms of image composition, from photo collage to digitally edited montage.
In the group exhibition Metamorphosis, Hajek-Halkes pioneering work is presented alongside contemporary artists who work with similar themes, media and concepts today. The exhibition offers a dialogue between past and present by highlighting the transformation and innovation within the art form of photomontage.
Accompanying programme
- Artist talk with Matthieu Bourel, Rebecca Fontaine-Wolf and Eva Stenram, Sunday, 2 March 2025, 11 am – 12 noon
- ‘Special Effects’: An analysis of analogue photomontages with Björn AlbertSaturday, 15 March 2025, 3 – 4:30 pm andSaturday, 29 March 2025, 3 – 4:30 pm
- Collage workshop with the artist Miriam Tölke, Saturday, 22 March 2025, 2–6 p.m.
#EMOP25
Additional information
Opening: Friday, 28 February 2025, 7–9 pm
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Saturday, 1–6 pm
Special opening hours as part of the EMOP Opening Days: Sunday, 2 March, 1–6 pm
Opening hours:
Wednesday–Saturday, 1–6 pm
Special opening hours as part of the EMOP Opening Days: Sunday, 2 March, 1–6 pm
Participating artists
Matthieu Bourel
Rebecca Fontaine-Wolf
Heinz Hajek-Halke
Mayumi Hosokura
Noé Sendas
Eva Stenram
Miriam Tölke
K YOUNG
