PLAUEN.- Stepping into Galerie Forum K in Plauen is like stepping back into a pivotal moment in German photography. Joachim Brohm's "VERICOLOR," an exhibition showcasing his early work from 1979 to 1984, opened its doors last Friday, and it's a revelation for anyone interested in the evolution of color photography as an art form.


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In the late 1970s, a young Joachim Brohm, armed with his Plaubel Makina, roamed the Ruhr region, North Germany, and even ventured to France and the USA. But he wasn't just taking snapshots; he was forging a new path. Unlike his peers, who were sticking to traditional black and white, Brohm embraced Kodak Vericolor film, becoming one of the first European photographers to seriously explore color photography in an artistic context.

What makes this exhibition so special is the chance to witness the "magic of an artistic awakening," as Heinz Liesbrock puts it. Brohm's early work, now recognized as groundbreaking, reveals a photographer grappling with the very nature of seeing. He aimed for objectivity and documentary truth, but never at the expense of artistic vision.

Walking through the gallery, you're struck by the subtle beauty of his compositions. They appear almost casual, like amateur snapshots, but beneath the surface lies a carefully calculated artistic approach. Brohm plays with the idea of amateur photography, using it as a foundation for his own unique aesthetic.

And then there's the color. Brohm's use of Vericolor is anything but ordinary. He avoids loud, vibrant hues, opting instead for muted, almost hazy tones. The colors blend together, unifying the composition and creating a sense of quiet harmony. It's a testament to his understanding of color as a tool for expression, not just a way to record reality.

The exhibition features photographs from his formative years, offering a glimpse into the world as Brohm saw it then – a world he captured with a fresh and innovative eye. It's a reminder that even in the seemingly mundane, there's beauty and artistic potential waiting to be discovered.

Joachim Brohm, born in 1955, has had a long and distinguished career. After studying at the Folkwang School in Essen and later at Ohio State University, he went on to become a professor of artistic photography at the Academy of Visual Arts in Leipzig, where he also served as rector. "VERICOLOR" is a chance to see the roots of his remarkable journey.

If you're in Plauen, don't miss this opportunity to experience the early work of a photographer who helped redefine the landscape of color photography. "VERICOLOR" is open until March 29th, 2025, at Galerie Forum K. It's a journey into the past, captured in the evocative hues of Vericolor film, and a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision.


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