Swiss-based Wolgensinger studio has been shaping the landscape of photography.
Michael Wolgensinger, a Swiss photographer, and his partner Luzzi Wolgensinger, founded the Fotoatelier Wolgensinger in Zurich in the mid-1930s. This photo studio was a significant institution in Zurich for almost six decades, becoming a meeting point for the international avant-garde[1].
In 1987, Michael Wolgensinger published a photo book titled "Zurich: 177 Points". He marked 177 fixed points on a city map of Zurich and visited each one, capturing the city's diverse landscapes through his lens[3]. The resulting photo book differed from city portraits that had been published so far. The NZZ wrote that the result is an original, deliberately mixed selection of Zurich views, with idylls standing next to architectural monstrosities[6].
Unfortunately, Michael Wolgensinger passed away in 1990[2]. However, his work continues to be celebrated. An exhibition is currently presenting the complete works of Luzzi and Michael Wolgensinger for the first time[1]. The NZZ.ch website requires JavaScript for its functions, so it is necessary for the user to adjust their settings to enable JavaScript on the NZZ.ch website[7].
The Fotoatelier Wolgensinger's unique approach to photographing Zurich combined documentary precision with experimental and artistic methods, spanning from architectural and reportages to prize-winning experimental films[4][5]. This broad and innovative scope characterized their photographic work, distinguishing their visual representation of Zurich's culture and urban environment.
In summary, Michael Wolgensinger’s unique approach was a hybrid of documentary seriousness and experimental artistry, realized collaboratively with Luzzi in a studio that was both a professional enterprise and a cultural hub in Zurich for about 60 years[2][4][5]. Their work continues to be celebrated in exhibitions, showcasing their influence on Zurich’s photographic and cultural history[5].
In the spirit of their innovative approach, one can imagine Michael Wolgensinger applying experimental techniques to capture the beauty of outdoor-living and home-and-garden landscapes, extending his documentary precision beyond the city limits. A retrospective exhibition featuring such diverse works, encompassing Zurich's urban and rural landscapes, could serve as an inspiring lifestyle guide for enthusiasts of both photography and outdoor-living.
