Light and Shadow: Photographs of the Bochum Association at the Bochum City Archive
Date and Time
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Light and Shadow as Visual Memory of an Industrial City
The exhibition Light and Shadow: Photographs of the Bochum Association at the city archive - Bochum Center for Urban History takes you right into the visual history of the Ruhr industry. From May 28, 2026, an artistic experience unfolds here that impressively connects historical photography, urban history, and industrial memory.
Photography as Evidence of Work, Technology, and Publicity
At the center is the Bochum Association for Cast Steel Manufacturing, a company that utilized photographic documentation early on as a means of self-presentation, material testing, and internal communication. The plant photographers captured production processes, technical achievements, everyday scenes, and public appearances. Thus, a study of the company emerges that goes beyond mere archival work: the photographs show how images shape industrial identity and how photography mediates between documentation and staging.
An Exhibition with Art Historical and Cultural Historical Depth
Particularly intriguing is the question of image truth. What intentions were behind the recordings? What was shown, what was omitted, what may have been edited? The exhibition takes these questions seriously and thus opens a reflective access to visual culture, propaganda, contemporary history, and aesthetic experience. Those interested in historical photography, industrial culture, and curation will find here a dense panorama of material, light, shadow, and social context.
Cooperation, Research, and Cultural Education
The project was created in cooperation with the Historical Archive Krupp and students of the Ruhr University Bochum. This connection of archive, university, and urban history gives the exhibition special authority. At the same time, cultural education becomes directly experienceable: the accompanying program with guided tours, film screenings, and lectures deepens the view on the image sources and makes the exhibition a lively learning place for art enthusiasts, school classes, researchers, and anyone wanting to rediscover industrial culture.
Accompanying Program and Unique Insights
Regular guided tours on Sundays from 11 AM to 12 PM invite visitors to explore the photographs together. The program is complemented by film nights and lectures that highlight the Bochum Association as an actor in urban and economic history. This creates a multi-layered exhibition experience that combines historical analysis and sensory contemplation.
Conclusion
Light and Shadow: Photographs of the Bochum Association is an exhibition for all who want to not only see but read photography. It connects industrial history, visual culture, and art historical reflection into an atmospheric walk through the memory of the city. Anyone wanting to experience Bochum's past with open eyes should definitely visit this exhibition live.
Official Channels of the City Archive - Bochum Center for Urban History:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stadtportalbochum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stadtportal.Bochum
- YouTube: No official profile found
- Website: https://www.bochum.de
