„Wegsehen-zwecklos“: 300 Exponate zeigen kulturelle Relevanz der Fotografie

In the organizer's words:

39 photographers present their work during the Photoszene Festival from May 10 to 25, 2025

"Looking away without purpose": 300 exhibits show the cultural relevance of photography

From May 10 to 25, 2025, 39 Freelens photographers are inviting visitors to engage with the 300 image series and individual works they are showing with their project "Wegsehen zwecklos" (Looking away is pointless). This year's Cologne Photoszene Festival provides the framework for this, with the bunker built by Wilhelm Riphahn at Elsaßstraße 42 as the venue. Whether classic photojournalism, documentary, abstract visual art or installation: "Wegsehen zwecklos" visualizes questions of the times on four floors, addresses personal values and feelings and relates them to metres of cold concrete.

Visitors can use impressive photo essays and concise photographic statements to explore issues such as Brexit and climate change, as well as their own perceptions. They are welcome to engage in a discussion with the creators of the images because, according to the initiators: "We want to talk about what moves us and what you see!"

The exhibition starts on Saturday, May 10, at 6 pm with a vernissage. The opening will be accompanied by music from the group "nosmokingsishot" (jazz/rhythm/blues).

The exhibition ends on Sunday, May 25, at 4 pm with a finissage. Simone Scharbert will read from her book "Für Anna. A Exposure". There will also be an auction individual contributions to the exhibition is also planned.

"Wegsehen zwecklos" is open on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 pm and Sundays from 2 to 8 pm.

Location / place

High bunker Elsaßstr. 42

50667 Cologne

Anreise / getting there

Clodwigplatz

Line 15, 16, 17

Bus 106, 132, 133, 142

Further information can be found on the project website: https://rheinland.freelens.com/wegsehen-zwecklos/