At the House of Photography: the Middle East sublimated

USD05, Yerevan – Yeghvard, 1997 – © Ursula Schulz-Dornburg

There is still time to appreciate the first major retrospective ofUrsula Schulz-Dornburg at the MEP, or European House of Photography, until February 16: 250 rare images, of a disturbing “stillness” and ultimately remarkable, which are exhibited under the title “Grey Zone/ The Land In Between”.

The demanding work of the German photographer has for fifty years explored landscapes and geography in their relationships to social, political and cultural conflicts, particularly in regions where these tensions are of historical importance: Iraq, Mesopotamia, Syria or the border separating Georgia and Azerbaijan.

The hanging, over two entire floors, resembles an installation with its scenography which favors the systematic presentation of groups of repetitive photos.

It is also a documentary work, carried out in inaccessible regions. We think of the explorers and geographers of the 19th century as well as the yellowed postcards of the beginning of the last century. Of course, the work of Schulz-Dornburg goes much further. It brings us closer to the deep soul and complex history of the Middle East. A momentous exhibition.

Ursula Schulz-Dornburg
European House of Photography
5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 20 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. to 22 p.m.
Until February 16, 2020

Text: Axel G. – Instagram

 27.01.20