HANNOVER.- A new photography exhibition, "ZUHAUSE" (Home), opened today, offering a multifaceted exploration of the universal theme of home through the works of award-winning photographers. The exhibition, a collaboration between the VONOVIA AWARD FÜR FOTOGRAFIE, the Marktkirche in Hannover, and various public spaces, presents a range of perspectives on what "home" means in contemporary society.

The exhibition features the work of six photographers, including Sibylle Fendt, winner of the "Professionals" category, and Jakob Eckstein, winner of the "New Talents" category. Fendt's series, "Before It's Time," sensitively documents the experience of individuals caring for loved ones in their final days at home, highlighting the comfort and security found in familiar surroundings during times of grief. Christian Heymann's "expectations" captures the intimate journey of impending fatherhood, documenting the emotional shifts and transformations leading up to the birth of his daughter.

In the public spaces surrounding the Marktkirche, visitors will find four additional series addressing diverse aspects of "home." Jakob Eckstein's "Viewed" confronts the housing crisis in urban centers, capturing the frustration and hope of individuals navigating crowded apartment viewings. Natalia Kepesz's "Vdoma" (Home) offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of a Ukrainian refugee family living in a temporary hotel shelter, documenting their search for stability amidst displacement.

Marlene Pfau's "Traditional Wives" explores the resurgence of traditional gender roles, examining the motivations of women who choose to prioritize domestic life. Klara Meinhardt's "As Beautiful as Concrete" delves into the complexities of standardized housing in the former East Germany, questioning the balance between uniformity and individual expression.

The exhibition, curated from works developed during a four-month masterclass, aims to spark dialogue about the evolving concept of "home." Dr. Reinhard Spieler, director of the Sprengel Museum, notes that the photographers "address societal challenges while reflecting on the concept of 'home' from their own artistic, documentary, or investigative approaches."

Marc Blessing, pastor of the Marktkirche Hannover, emphasizes the exhibition's role in prompting introspection, stating, "The Market Church, as a place of contemplation and encounter, aims to invite visitors to broaden their perspective and develop their own ideas of home."

Visitors are invited to engage with the exhibition and cast their vote for a public prize, adding another layer of interaction to the exploration of this deeply personal and universally relevant theme. The exhibition runs through 10 April 2025.