Photo Exhibition “50 Shades of Gey”
– playing with shadows by Alexander Liedtke
Renowned photographer Alexander Liedtke opens a fascinating window into a world that surrounds us daily, yet often goes unnoticed: shadows. In his new exhibition, "50 Shades of Gey," the artist delves into the aesthetics of the fleeting, bringing the hidden beauty of shadows into the light through a series of 50 photographs.
The Magic of Shadows
The exhibition is a visual journey through the many facets and forms that shadows can take. The title “50 Shades of Gey” humorously references the bestseller “50 Shades of Grey,” but goes far beyond this comparison in content. Liedtke is not concerned with the shades of grey, but rather with the poetic expressiveness of light and darkness, with shadows as independent “figures” of nature.
“Shadows are like memories – they are always there, but we often only perceive them fleetingly,” explains Liedtke in an interview. Each shadow in his exhibition has its own story and dynamic, brought to life through the artist’s skillful use of light and composition.
A Journey through Urban and Natural Spaces
Liedtke’s 50 photographs are stylistically and thematically diverse. Some images depict urban environments, where the shadows of buildings, streetlights, or people merge into abstract shapes. These cityscapes evoke a striking atmosphere of solitude and stillness.
Other photographs capture shadows in nature – the sharp silhouettes of trees, leaves, or mountains moving gently across the ground in the play of sunlight. Here, nature is not merely a backdrop but a co-creator of a visual experience.
Minimalism and Depth
Liedtke’s work is characterized by a minimalist approach that holds great depth. The photographer avoids bold colors, intrusive subjects, or complex arrangements. Instead, he allows the shadows to speak for themselves, highlighting their simplicity and expressiveness. This interplay of light and darkness invites viewers to pause and rediscover the meaning of form and space.
“It’s about making the invisible visible. Shadows are fleeting and constantly changing, but in these moments when they are captured, they tell stories that go beyond the obvious,” says Liedtke about his work.
Photographic Technique and Creative Approaches
Technically, Liedtke works with precise control over light sources and exposure times. The art of "capturing" shadows requires a deep understanding of photography and a patient eye. Every angle, every light source is carefully chosen to create the desired mood. Liedtke not only plays with natural light but also experiments with artificial lighting to blur the lines between reality and abstraction.
Many of the exhibition's images give the viewer the impression of stepping into a surreal world – a world where shadows are the main subject, overshadowing reality. This effect is part of Liedtke’s artistic vision, where the shadow is not just an accompaniment to light, but holds its own mysterious identity.
An Exhibition that Provokes Thought
“50 Shades of Gey” is more than a tribute to shadows; it is an invitation to see the world through different eyes. Alexander Liedtke succeeds in making the invisible visible, giving new depth and meaning to the seemingly mundane – the shadow. The exhibition demonstrates how photography can not only document but also inspire and provoke thought.
For art lovers, photographers, and those interested in the quiet moments of life, this exhibition is a fascinating discovery. It encourages us to pause and view the fleeting shadows of everyday life as their own art form.