He left his mark with his pictures - not only on his colleagues, friends and the many people he portrayed, but also on German photojournalism. Never to have been found without a camera, Volker Hinz (1947-2019) is without a doubt one of Germany’s greatest photographers and photojournalists.
 
The exhibition at Amerikahaus provides an insight into the many facets of his work created in America in the 1980s and 90s. Although many of these motifs have become legendary, some photographs have only rarely or never before been presented. The exhibit is split into three thematic focal points: his work as a busy portraitist, his perspective of the United States, and snapshots from the legendary AREA Club in New York City.
 
In the synopsis of this image series, it is clear how far his photographs go beyond classic photojournalistic themes. With tireless energy, ambition, and profound pictorial knowledge, he created photographs that can be read beyond their daily contexts as timeless, artistically significant images of the times. With his characteristic eye, sensitivity and the stubborn endurance of a long-distance runner, he found his place in the history of photography.
 
Volker Hinz was a precise observer and storyteller. It is not without reason that one of his favorite statements still holds true today: "The photographer must not be bored. There are enough boring pictures."

Curator: Brigitte Woischnik

Photo: Grace Jones at the Area Nightclub in New York City, 1984 © Volker Hinz Estate