Bernd and Hilla Becher

Definition

Bernd and Hilla Becher were a German artist duo known for their pioneering work in industrial photography, focusing on typologies of industrial structures like water towers, gas tanks, and coal mines. Their meticulous and systematic approach to documenting these structures contributed to the New Topographics movement, emphasizing the relationship between human-made environments and their geographical context while rejecting romantic notions of landscape photography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bechers' work is characterized by a clinical, objective style that emphasizes form and structure over emotional content, aligning with their commitment to typological representation.
2. They often photographed industrial sites in pairs or grids, allowing for comparisons between similar structures and highlighting variations in design and function.
3. Their influence extended beyond photography, impacting contemporary art and architecture by encouraging a critical examination of industrial landscapes.
4. Bernd and Hilla Becher's work was notably featured in major exhibitions such as the 1975 'New Topographics' show at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York.
5. They taught at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where they mentored a generation of photographers including Andreas Gursky and Thomas Struth, who further explored themes of space and place.

Review Questions

• How did Bernd and Hilla Becher's photographic style contribute to the New Topographics movement?
  • The Bechers' photographic style emphasized objectivity and systematic documentation through their typological approach to industrial structures. This method aligned with the New Topographics movement's aim to depict ordinary landscapes and man-made environments without idealization. Their focus on form and structure in a clinical manner challenged traditional representations of nature and beauty, reinforcing the movement's ethos of presenting the built environment as a legitimate subject for artistic exploration.
• In what ways did the Bechers' work influence contemporary photographers and artists following the New Topographics movement?
  • The Bechers' influence on contemporary photographers is significant due to their innovative approach to documenting industrial sites through typologies. They inspired artists like Andreas Gursky and Thomas Struth to explore similar themes of space and environment. The Bechers' method encouraged these photographers to critically examine and reinterpret everyday landscapes, leading to a broader acceptance of documentary photography as an artistic medium that reflects societal changes and challenges aesthetic conventions.
• Evaluate the cultural implications of Bernd and Hilla Becher's work on our understanding of industrial landscapes and human interaction with the environment.
  • The cultural implications of Bernd and Hilla Becher's work are profound as they challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions of industrial landscapes. By documenting these environments with precision, they highlight the intersection of human activity and natural settings, revealing how industrialization alters our surroundings. Their work encourages a dialogue about sustainability, urban development, and the aesthetic value of places often overlooked in traditional landscape photography, prompting society to reflect on its relationship with both built environments and nature.

Related terms

Typology: A classification system that organizes subjects based on shared characteristics, used by the Bechers to systematically document various types of industrial structures.

New Topographics: A photographic movement that emerged in the 1970s, characterized by a focus on ordinary landscapes and man-made environments, challenging traditional notions of beauty in nature.

Documentary Photography: A style of photography that aims to chronicle significant and historical events or environments, often with a focus on social issues, which the Bechers incorporated into their work.