Wim Wenders is currently up and about earlier than usual.
In the heart of Bonn, Germany, a significant tribute is unfolding at the Bundeskunsthalle – an immersive exhibition titled "W.I.M. The Art of Seeing", celebrating the 80th birthday of globally renowned filmmaker and artist, Wim Wenders.
This captivating exhibition showcases not only Wenders' influential cinematography but also his broader creative work, including photographs, collages, drawings, polaroids, and ‘electronic paintings’ – digitally retouched video images. Visitors can delve into Wenders' unique visual storytelling, with film stills, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes material, as well as a large immersive cinematographic installation using state-of-the-art image and sound technology.
The thematic focus of the exhibition revolves around Wenders' fascination with landscape, solitude, and everyday moments, as revealed through his polaroids and visual archive. It also highlights the interconnection of his film work with his photography and other visual art forms. The exhibition runs from August 1, 2025, to January 11, 2026, offering a vivid exploration into Wenders' artistic vision.
Interestingly, Wenders himself, now more of an early bird, has changed his sleep pattern, waking up early in the morning to appreciate the world in its tranquil, pre-dawn glow. From his residence near Berlin, he enjoys a wide view of the landscape, each season bringing a unique and breathtaking sight.
As the sun rises, Wenders finds beauty in the world, imagining the day as it begins. This change in sleep pattern might have been inspired by the enchanting view from his residence, which the exhibition aims to replicate, allowing visitors to experience Wenders' cinematic world.
After its run in Bonn, the exhibition will travel to the Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum in Frankfurt in 2026, with a differing curatorial focus. Until then, visitors to Bonn's Federal Art Gallery can immerse themselves in Wenders' art of seeing, gaining insights into the man behind the camera and the artist behind the lens.
The immersive exhibition at Bundeskunsthalle, titled "W.I.M. The Art of Seeing," not only highlights Wim Wenders' cinematography but also showcases his fascination with landscape and everyday moments, as demonstrated in his outdoor polaroids, thereby connecting his lifestyle with outdoor-living and home-and-garden elements. Visitors can experience a replica of the breathtaking view from Wenders' residence near Berlin, as the exhibition aims to replicate his cinematic world, offering a glimpse of his personal home-and-garden landscape through his outdoor-living perspective.
