Photography and filmmaking often go hand in hand. Many renowned filmmakers, such as Abbas Kiarostami, Stanley Kubrick, Agnès Varda, and Robert Frank, are also accomplished photographers, boasting extensive portfolios that showcase their talents. Despite their proficiency in photography and the creation of remarkable works, it is rare to see their photographs up close and in person. However, there is a fantastic opportunity to experience the works of one such master: Wim Wenders. Here’s a glimpse of what the acclaimed filmmaker exhibits at the Howard Greenberg Gallery.
For the unversed, Wenders is known for his iconic movies, such as Paris, Texas (1984) and Wings of Desire (1987), and is one of the most influential directors in contemporary cinema. In addition to his filmmaking career, he has invested deeply in his photography practice, and his images have also been a part of two exhibitions: Written in the West and Once. Now, Wim Wenders is back with both showcases, which are combined together in a new showcase titled Written Once. One of the significant elements of the show is its text, written by the director himself, which offers insight into both his creative process and personal experiences in the film world.
It was another way of preparing for the film, too, a different kind of research that had less to do with locations than with the light in the West. I had never made a film in that landscape and was hoping that taking photographs would sharpen my understanding of the light and landscape, my sense of empathy with it. So although these photos were taken in connection with the film we made in that part of the country, they are quite independent of it, despite the fact that a lot of the photos were taken in Houston, Los Angeles, and other locations in Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico where we did in fact shoot the film. But these large-format photos were my own personal, private way of preparing for the film.
Wim Wenders
This exhibition looks at his existing photographic exhibition. For instance, the Written in the West series will showcase a glimpse into the American West, including landscapes of Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. The photographs were captured between 1983 and 1987 and were part of his research for the film Paris, Texas. Through them, Wim Wenders began to gauge the region, its space, and light much better, which were central to the film’s narrative. However, even after you watch the movie, the photographs have a life of their own and can be looked at again and again to understand the land and relive Wanders’ personal experience.
On the other hand, Once highlights the director’s encounters in Hollywood, as it features images with anecdotes that begin with “Once, I…”. Through these writings, visitors can look at his experience working with icons such as Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmusch, and Isabella Rossellini. Of them, one of the most prominent or take about photographs in the series was captured in 1977 and illustrates his encounter with Scorsese after the latter’s car broke down in Utah’s Valley of the Gods. What happened then? Well, you can attend the show and see for yourself!
If you are someone who likes to see behind-the-scenes photography or simply enjoys analog photography, then the Wim Wenders exhibition should be on your list. Not only will you see the making of the film, but you will also understand how he composes the frames in his iconic movies. There is so much to learn here, and if you don’t see it once, you are missing out on a great bridge between art and real life.
The exhibition will be on display from January 28 to March 15. For more information, visit Howard Greenberg Gallery’s website.
