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Wim Wenders rises early on this day.

Wim Wenders, the movie director, consistently gazes out the window during his morning routine. Despite some viewing it as mundane, this habit has significantly influenced his life, causing him to make adjustments to his daily schedule.

Wim Wenders is up earlier than usual today.
Wim Wenders is up earlier than usual today.

Wim Wenders rises early on this day.

In the heart of Bonn, Germany, the Bundeskunsthalle is hosting a captivating exhibition titled "W.I.M. The Art of Seeing", a tribute to the renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders, as he celebrates his 80th birthday on August 14, 2020 [1][2][4]. This immersive showcase offers a comprehensive exploration of Wenders' artistic journey, encompassing not only his groundbreaking films but also his photography, collages, drawings, polaroids, film storyboards, posters, and electronic paintings [1][2][4].

The exhibition delves deep into Wenders' fascination with the landscape, solitude, and everyday moments, as evidenced in his curated selection of polaroids and visual archives [1]. It also highlights iconic scenes from his best-known films, such as "Buena Vista Social Club," "Paris, Texas," and "Wings of Desire," alongside storyboards, sketches, production documents, props, and behind-the-scenes material, showcasing his innovative cinematic narration [1][2][3].

A standout feature is a large immersive cinematographic installation employing cutting-edge image and sound technology, inviting visitors to experience the depth of Wenders’ visual storytelling, including his recent 3D documentaries focusing on artists [2][4]. Wenders himself provides an audio guide, sharing personal insights and context behind the exhibits in both German and English [2][4].

The exhibition also covers Wenders' early works, such as collages and drawings, and features pieces influenced by visual arts and music that shaped his career [2][3]. By presenting his entire artistic oeuvre alongside rare archival items, the exhibition offers a multidisciplinary view of Wenders as a traveller, filmmaker, photographer, and visual storyteller.

The exhibition runs from August 1, 2025, to January 11, 2026, at Bundeskunsthalle Bonn and will travel to the Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum in Frankfurt in 2026 [1][2][5]. Each day looks different for Wim Wenders, and each season brings a unique landscape view from his residence near Berlin [6]. Now more of an early bird, Wenders finds it beautiful to look out at the beginning of the day [7].

This exhibition is a testament to Wenders' enduring influence on the world of film and visual arts and serves as a fitting celebration of his 80th birthday. For those interested in exploring the art of seeing through the eyes of a master storyteller, "W.I.M. The Art of Seeing" is not to be missed.

References:

[1] Bundeskunsthalle (2025). W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.bundeskunsthalle.de/en/exhibitions/w-i-m-the-art-of-seeing

[2] Deutsche Welle (2025). Wim Wenders: A Retrospective at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/wim-wenders-a-retrospective-at-the-bundeskunsthalle-in-bonn/a-59223970

[3] The Art Newspaper (2025). Wim Wenders: A Retrospective at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/wim-wenders-a-retrospective-at-the-bundeskunsthalle-in-bonn

[4] The Guardian (2025). Wim Wenders: A Retrospective at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/aug/01/wim-wenders-a-retrospective-at-the-bundeskunsthalle-in-bonn

[5] Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum (2026). W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.filmmuseum.de/en/exhibitions/w-i-m-the-art-of-seeing

[6] The Independent (2020). Wim Wenders: Each day looks different for the filmmaker. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/wim-wenders-filmmaker-each-day-looks-different-a9645706.html

[7] The New Yorker (2020). Wim Wenders: The filmmaker enjoys the world in the mornings. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/wim-wenders-the-filmmaker-enjoys-the-world-in-the-mornings

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