Kraftwerk by Heinrich Heidersberger – An Iconic Image Turns Fifty

Heinrich Heidersberger‘s iconic 1971 photograph Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG is turning fifty. This anniversary presents an opportunity to (re)discover the photographic work of one of the most fascinating German photographers, who developed his own photographic language defined by an elegant, high-contrast style. Heidersberger made a name for himself with his architectural photography, worked for Stern and other magazines, and incorporated surrealistic influences into his images throughout his career. Notably, there is also an enigmatic humor to the carefully composed and expressive black-and-white photographs. Heidersberger’s work, in its thematic and stylistic diversity, reflects the most important developments in twentieth-century German history. A series of events held at partner institutions from September to November 2021 will consider the photograph from a variety of perspectives.

Heinrich Heidersberger, #4148/5 Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg 1971 © Heinrich Heidersberger

Kraftwerk, the Iconic Image
A rare wind from the east, a crisp, clear autumn morning, the vanishing point shifted to the left half of the image, the opposite bank paralleling the horizon — the technique, timing, and weather conditions for the photo were skillfully chosen. The view from underneath the bridge magically draws the viewer into the depopulated scene. Color filters produce a deep, dark sky and snow-white vapor, the long exposure time literally freezes the water. In this otherworldly yet arresting image, Andreas Beitin, director of the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, sees the ostensible merging of utopia and dystopia. And Benjamin Heidersberger, managing director of the Institute elucidates: “At the time of its creation, this image stood for new beginnings, the economic miracle, and pride in what had been achieved; added to this in subsequent years are the crises in oil prices, the environment, and ‘Limits to Growth’. As such, it also reveals how Germany has been transformed.”

Heinrich Heidersberger, #1016/11 Osram, München 1966 © Heinrich Heidersberger

A series of events held at partner institutions from September to November 2021 will consider the photograph from a variety of perspectives. Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg will present an exhibition on the iconic image Kraftwerk der Volkswagen AG (September 16 – November 14, 2021); the Städtische Galerie Wolfsburg will examine the factors that define his imagery; and the Heidersberger Institute will offer guided tours of its archive located in the photographer’s former studio in Schloss Wolfsburg, offering visitors a glimpse behind the scenes and introducing them to his body of work. The highlight event will be a panel discussion on November 4 at Autostadt Wolfsburg.

When Heinrich Heidersberger (1906 – 2006) photographed the Volkswagen AG power plant in November 1971 for an exhibition at Haus Wolfsburg on the 1972 Olympics in Munich, he created an image that became the crowning achievement of his career as an architectural photographer. “This image is a culmination of the various influences he was exposed to throughout his artistic life,” explains Bernd Rodrian, director of the Heidersberger Institute.

A leading modernist photographer, Heidersberger is considered one of the central figures of abstract photography in the 1950s. He is linked to New Objectivity and made a name for himself as an outstanding experimental photographer. A perfectionist, Heidersberger also achieved renown for his experiments with light, which had a significant impact on his work. As a representative of “generative photography,” which employs technical means external to the camera to influence the image, he expanded the boundaries of the medium.

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