Explore the place of photography in contemporary society – and the wildly contradictory feelings it can provoke – in six exhibitions at six art galleries in three different German cities. The Biennale für aktuelle Fotografie encompasses contemporary and historical works by 70 international artists and photographers and spans the cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg.

About the Biennale

Since 2005, the Biennale has established itself as one of the most important curated photo events with international appeal in Germany, in previous years attracting more than 41.000 visitors. It is consistently characterised by the conceptual work of its guest curators who address new aspects of contemporary photography.

This year Iris Sikking curates the show in six different galleries in Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg. Each location takes a different approach to examining contemporary photography as an art form.

Highlights of this year’s Biennale

Sikking's curation focuses on a sustainable, empowered, and inclusive future that can be achieved through a variety of perspectives. This year’s Biennale consists of six thematic exhibitions. From Where I Stand explores how artists can portray the complex interdependency of people. 

Attending the Biennale für aktuelle Fotographie

The exhibitions take place in the following galleries across Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg:

• Changing Ecosystems
• Contested Landscapes
• Bodies in (e)Motion
• Collective Minds 
• Shaping Data
• Narratives of Resistance 

All are easily-accessible via public transportation.

The entire Biennale is governed by a Pay What You Want principle, enabling each visitor to decide on the amount they want to pay for admission. For more details on the exhibitions, including a full list of artists, visit the Biennale für aktuelle Fotografie website.

Credit for all in-text images: Cortis&Sonderegger