Drängende Gegenwart - photography as a research tool
In times of hyperintelligence, wars and the climate crisis, what are the topics we want to explore photographically? How can we use photography to explore, investigate and discover new things about the world we live in? How can we tell other people's and our own stories, increase knowledge, question things, share experiences and awaken mutual understanding?
In an exhibition at the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture in Potsdam, moving photographic works by students of the Department of Design, who have artistically explored the eponymous theme over the past two semesters as part of a course taught by Professor Wiebke Loeper, will be presented to a broad public. It will be on display at the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture in Potsdam from the 23rd of January to the 6th of March, 2026.
Drängende Gegenwart reflects the massive societal and social upheavals and challenges that are characterised by the confluence of multiple crises. From the state of shock in the Oderbruch after the fish kill to dealing with health challenges, stories from the neighbourhood and utopian questions, the students approach the various thematic complexes visually, each with their own means and approaches.
The exhibition gives younger photographers a voice and a place in the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture - especially those of the generation that is particularly affected by the social upheavals and existential crises of the present.
22/01/2026
Exhibition opening
The Minister of Science, Research and Culture, Dr Manja Schüle, cordially invites you to the opening of the exhibition.
Welcome: Minister Dr Manja Schüle
Introduction: Wiebke Loeper, Professor of Photography, Dean of the Department of Design at Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, and students
Music: Anas Homsi, improvisation on the oud
Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur
Dortustraße 36
Foyer im 2. Stock
14467 Potsdam
Germany
23/01–06/03/2026
The urgent present - photography as a research tool
The exhibition can be seen until the 6th of March, 2026. Monday to Friday, from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission is free!
Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur
Dortustraße 36
Foyer im 2. Stock
14467 Potsdam
Germany