The Swiss Camera Museum presents the exhibition Flash! A brief history of artificial lighting for photography, on display until February 22nd, 2026.
What does flash do to the image and our perception of the world? Featuring numerous key pieces—from Félix Nadar’s early flash experiments to the contemporary work of British photographer Martin Parr, and the iconic work of American photographer Weegee—the exhibition explores in a unique way some of the significant visual transformations produced by flash. Throughout history, flash and artificial lighting have shed light on what is not seen, or not seen enough, and have played a major role in the visual construction of new, previously unknown worlds. In the catacombs of 19th-century Paris, close to the nocturnal murders of New York[1], or among the paparazzi scrutinizing movie stars, the flash plays a central role. From the first experimental magnesium flashes to the electronic flash, successive technical inventions of the flash have enabled the creation of new representations, opening up a different experience of reality.
The exhibition is conceived in collaboration with the magazine Photographica, whose 11th issue is entitled ” Aveugler pour voir : flashs et revelations “ (Blinded to see: flashes and revelations).
Flash! A brief history of artificial lighting for photography
Until February 22, 2026
Swiss Camera Museum
Grande Place 99
CH-1800 Vevey, Switzerland
http://www.cameramuseum.ch
