Farewell Event for "Lost Places" exhibition at Gerhard-Berting residence
In the heart of Altehofer Straße, the Gerhard-Berting-Haus played host to the captivating photo exhibition, "Lost Places," curated by Wuppertal photographer Stefan Witte. This unique exhibition, which showcased around 20 works in various formats, including framed pictures and large-format prints on stretcher frames, offered an interactive experience, with QR codes accompanying some photos to provide historical information about the motifs online.
Stefan Witte, known for his photography of abandoned and industrial spaces, created a virtual museum with "Lost Places." His work explores themes of decay and history, capturing eerie, deserted locations that suggest a narrative of time’s passage and human absence. This series is part of the broader genre sometimes called "urbex" or urban exploration photography.
One of Witte's favorite images from the exhibition was a representation of the former Rasspe company in Solingen, whose sign "STVO" still stands on the grounds. The response from the residents to the images was particularly touching, with many remembering the Rasspe company from their own past. Other representations, such as a horse stable on Rügen or the Beelitz healing stations, also found great favor.
The event was a finissage, as a vernissage during the Advent season would have brought too much hustle and bustle. Christiane Schulze, director of a senior facility, opened the event with warm words, praising Witte's work for its ability to bridge generations. The residents, visitors, and staff of the senior facility had the opportunity to view the photographs extensively before the finissage.
Stefan Witte, who recently upgraded his equipment and acquired a Nikon Z80 to also be active in the field of nature photography in the future, expressed his gratitude for the support and interest shown in his work. He emphasized that abandoned buildings can have a morbid, mysterious charm and can look aesthetic.
Despite the exhibition's conclusion, Witte's fascination with lost places continues. He plans to spend a week on Helgoland in the summer, which he mentioned could be his next photo series. For those interested in following Witte's work, his photographs can be found on his website vergesseneorte.com.
Initially, Witte thought that the topic of abandoned spaces would only interest a few people. However, his research showed him that the fascination with lost places is widespread. The "Lost Places" project by Stefan Witte serves as a tribute to past times and stories hidden in the walls of these places, reminding us that even abandoned places can tell stories and spark our imagination.
Stefan Witte's photography project, "Lost Places," not only focuses on abandoned buildings but also extends to home-and-garden settings, as evidenced by his upcoming series on Helgoland. The widespread fascination with lost places, showcased by this tribute to past times, invites a unique lifestyle of discovery and reflection.
