AACHEN.- In a world where everything is meticulously planned for social media, one artist is proving that the most compelling moments are the ones that happen by accident. Austrian photographer Stefan Draschan, known for his viral series "People Matching Artworks," is bringing his unique vision to the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum. His first solo exhibition, aptly titled "11 SECONDS," opens on Sunday, August 24, as part of the Aachen City Region Photography Festival.

Draschan’s work is a masterclass in patient observation. He spends hours in European museums, not just looking at the masterpieces on the walls, but watching the people who come to see them. His goal? To find that one fleeting moment where a visitor's outfit, hairstyle, or even their gesture perfectly aligns with the artwork they're viewing. He calls his muse "pure coincidence," and his work is a testament to the power of the unplanned.

The exhibition’s title, 11 SECONDS, refers to the average amount of time Draschan has to capture one of his magical shots. It’s a nod to the "decisive moment" that legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson famously championed, proving that even a blink-and-you'll-miss-it connection can tell a whole story.

But these photos are more than just clever visual puns. They also carry a sharp dose of irony and social commentary. Take, for example, the image of a man wearing a "To Hell" t-shirt while standing in front of a painting of the "Holy Trinity." The stark contrast isn't just funny—it speaks to the tension between belief and skepticism, and how our modern world interacts with classic, sacred art.

The exhibition at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum is a major highlight of the broader Photography Festival, which runs from August 24 to September 21. For the first time, museums in the region are participating, and the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum is thrilled to host Draschan's celebrated work. The festival will feature a variety of exhibitions, talks, and workshops, all centered on the art of photography. So, if you're in the Aachen area, keep your eyes open—you might just find yourself in a perfect visual match.