CAMERA WORK Gallery is presenting a retrospective of Hans Feurer‘s work from August 24, 2024. The exhibition comprises approximately 40 works taken over six decades and shows a curated, chronological selection of the artist’s early, experimental works as well as his fashion photographs.
“I like to show a free woman who’s scared of nothing.” – Hans Feurer
Hans Feurer’s avant-garde approach and innovative use of light and composition have had a lasting impact on the development of fashion photography since the 1960s. His work is both aesthetically pleasing and narratively powerful, capturing the Zeitgeist of different eras and illustrating stories of culture and change. Hans Feurer described himself as a feminist who valued free and independent women. He liked to portray his models as fighters — among them Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Grace Jones, Linda Evangelista, Lui Wen, Jean Shrimpton, Uschi Obermaier, and Iman, who became world-famous in 1983 during a photo shoot with Hans Feurer for the fashion label Kenzo.
Colors and expressive contrasts dominate Feurer’s works, as does light. Outside the studio, the artist worked exclusively with natural lighting — preferably with the light in the early morning, at sunset or at night with just the glow of a street lamp. Hans Feurer thus developed a visual language that allows for cultural trends while remaining unmistakable.
After studying art, Hans Feurer (1939—2024) worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director in the UK in the 1960s. During a trip to South Africa in 1966, he developed a pronounced passion for photography, which became is profession. His international breakthrough came in 1967 and from then on his work was published in leading magazines such as Nova, Vogue, Numéro, Elle, and Twen. Hans Feurer worked in fashion photography until the end, traveling to the most remote countries in the world. His work is characterized by a well-balanced pictorial space, creative concepts, and a strong colour scheme. In combination with a penchant for provocative staging, Hans Feurer acquired a photographic aesthetic that is highly recognizable. The works have a fascinating period coloring, which is particularly evident in the color scheme and recurring stylistic features depending on the decade. Unlike other photographic artists of his era, who strove for timeless works of art, Hans Feurer pursued the artistic approach of locating fashion in time — with all its characteristics. The works are therefore also a testimony to cultural history.
Since 1997, Hans Feurer has been exclusively represented by CAMERA WORK Gallery, which was closely associated with the artist until his death. Hans Feurer’s life work is owned by CAMERA WORK AG.
Hans Feurer
August 24 – September 19, 2024
CAMERA WORK
Kantstrasse 149
10623 Berlin · Germany
+49 (0)30 310077-73
www.camerawork.de
