Bernd & Hilla Becher

Bernd and Hilla Becher were a German couple who photographed industrial structures in Europe and North America. This book is the first comprehensive posthumous monograph and retrospective on their work, featuring their iconic pictures of water towers, gas tanks, blast furnaces, and more. It also includes Bernd's early drawings, Hilla's independent photographs, and excerpts from their notes, sketchbooks, and journals. The authors offer new insights into the development of the artists' process, their conceptual underpinnings, their relationship to deindustrialization, and their legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bernd and Hilla Becher, renowned for their captivating photographs of industrial structures across Europe and North America, have been the subject of the first comprehensive posthumous monograph and retrospective. Spanning over five decades of their artistic collaboration, Bernd (1931-2007) and Hilla (1934-2015) Becher dedicated themselves to capturing the unique beauty and sculptural essence of these architectural wonders. This remarkable monograph showcases their iconic images, presenting water towers, gas tanks, blast furnaces, and more as awe-inspiring objects of art.

Beyond the iconic Typologies that have made the Bechers famous, the book delves into the depths of their artistic process. It includes Bernds early drawings, Hilla's independent photographs, and excerpts from their notes, sketchbooks, and journals, offering a glimpse into their creative journey. The authors of the book, who are accomplished cultural historians, provide fresh insights into the conceptual underpinnings of the artists' work, their relationship to the deindustrialization phenomenon, and the enduring legacy they have left behind.

To complement the visual narrative, an essay by award-winning cultural historian Lucy Sante provides a deep exploration of the Bechers' art, life, and career. Additionally, an interview with Max Becher, the artists son, adds a personal touch, shedding light on the artists' inspiration, influences, and the profound impact their work has had on the world of photography.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press, this captivating volume is a testament to the artistic brilliance of Bernd and Hilla Becher. Their photographs have not only captured the essence of industrial architecture but have also inspired generations of artists and enthusiasts alike. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will host the exhibition from July 11 to October 30, 2022, followed by a presentation at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from December 17, 2022, to April 2, 2023.

Dimension: 273 x 238 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397553