ULM.- At Stadthaus Ulm, visitors can now immerse themselves in a striking photographic journey that chronicles one of the most remarkable political careers of our time. In a newly opened exhibition, celebrated photographer Herlinde Koelbl presents a series of 23 intimate portraits of Angela Merkel—each capturing a different chapter in the chancellor’s transformation from the youthful “Kohl’s girl” into the world’s most powerful head of government.
Discover a Unique Political Journey: Dive into decades of history and transformation with Angela Merkel: Portraits 1991–2021.
Koelbl’s approach is refreshingly simple yet profoundly revealing. In every session, the setting remains unchanged—a stark white wall, a lone chair, and a deliberate absence of direction. This minimalist backdrop forces the focus entirely on Merkel herself, allowing her expressions, posture, and evolving demeanor to narrate her own story. The photos not only document her physical changes over the years but also offer a window into the psychological and emotional shifts that accompanied her ascent in politics.
The exhibition spans a period of immense change. The earliest portraits were taken just two years after German reunification, at a time when Merkel, a trained physicist from the former East Germany, had just stepped into her role as the Federal Minister for Women and Youth. As time passed, the images evolved, culminating in a series captured shortly before her voluntary departure from politics after an unprecedented 16-year tenure as Chancellor.
Curated by Andrea Kreuzpointner and Dr. Raimund Kast, the exhibition also features selected quotes that provide context and insight into Merkel’s inner world. These personal reflections, shared in response to Koelbl’s probing questions, reveal a side of the reserved politician rarely seen in the public eye. They underscore the immense personal growth and resilience required to navigate the treacherous waters of political life.
Herlinde Koelbl is renowned for her long-term projects that explore the interplay between personal identity and societal power. Her work in “Traces of Power,” which includes these intimate Merkel portraits, challenges viewers to reconsider the familiar images of political figures. By stripping away the pomp and circumstance typically associated with high office, Koelbl invites us to see the human being behind the public persona—a woman who continuously adapted and evolved in response to both personal ambition and the relentless demands of politics.
The exhibition at Stadthaus Ulm is not just a photographic record; it is a reflective narrative on leadership, transformation, and the enduring influence of Angela Merkel. It offers a rare glimpse into the personal cost of political success and stands as a testament to the profound impact of long-term artistic inquiry. Visitors are encouraged to pause, reflect, and engage with the layered story that unfolds through each carefully composed portrait.
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