Bernd and Hilla Becher

Definition

Bernd and Hilla Becher were German conceptual artists known for their innovative photographic documentation of industrial structures. Their work focused on water towers, gas tanks, and other industrial buildings, emphasizing typology and the visual language of architecture. By systematically capturing these structures, they contributed to the conceptual art movement and raised questions about industrialization and cultural memory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bernd and Hilla Becher began collaborating in the late 1950s and became known for their systematic approach to photographing industrial architecture.
2. Their work often featured a grid layout, where images of similar structures were displayed together to emphasize similarities and differences among them.
3. The Bechers' photographs were not just artistic; they served as a historical record of industrial buildings, many of which have since been demolished or transformed.
4. They taught at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, influencing a generation of artists, including famous contemporaries like Andreas Gursky and Thomas Struth.
5. Their contributions to art have led to a deeper understanding of how architecture shapes our perception of industry and culture in modern society.

Review Questions

• How did Bernd and Hilla Becher's use of typology contribute to the field of conceptual art?
  • The Bechers' use of typology was central to their exploration of industrial architecture, allowing them to classify and compare structures systematically. By photographing similar buildings in a grid format, they shifted the focus from individual artistic expression to a collective understanding of architectural forms. This approach aligns with key ideas in conceptual art, where the underlying concepts behind artworks take precedence over their aesthetic qualities.
• Discuss the significance of the Bechers' teaching methods at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and their influence on contemporary photography.
  • At the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, Bernd and Hilla Becher fostered a rigorous academic environment that emphasized critical thinking and a systematic approach to photography. Their influence can be seen in the work of their students, such as Andreas Gursky and Thomas Struth, who adopted similar methodologies while exploring different themes. The Bechers' focus on industrial aesthetics challenged students to think about the relationship between form, content, and cultural significance in photography.
• Evaluate the impact of Bernd and Hilla Becher's work on our understanding of industrialization and cultural memory within contemporary art.
  • The impact of Bernd and Hilla Becher's work extends beyond mere documentation; it provokes critical discussions about the legacy of industrialization in society. Their photographic series not only preserved a visual history of vanishing structures but also invited viewers to reflect on how these remnants shape cultural memory. By elevating industrial buildings to subjects worthy of artistic inquiry, they redefined notions of value in contemporary art, emphasizing that even utilitarian objects possess significant cultural relevance.

Related terms

Typology: A method of classification that involves grouping similar objects or structures based on shared characteristics, often used in the Bechers' work to organize their photographic subjects.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished art object, influencing how Bernd and Hilla Becher approached their photography.

Industrial Aesthetics: A style in art that draws from the forms and materials associated with industrial production, which Bernd and Hilla Becher highlighted in their work by focusing on utilitarian structures.