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From 6 September to 25 January 2026, Fotografiska Berlin will present the first large-scale exhibition of Helga Paris' work since the photographer's death.



Helga Paris captured everyday life in the GDR with honest, unvarnished and intimate photography.
She photographed houses and streets, factory workers, garbage collectors, children and ordinary citizens – always with deep respect, integrity and empathy. People who were often overlooked were given dignity through her lens and thus became part of a collective memory.


Her photography gently reminds us that history is not only written by politicians and those in positions of power. It is created in everyday life – on the streets, in factories and in bars.
It is written by people, by individuals who carry their own struggles, hopes and fears with them.

Curated by Marina Paulenka, Director of Exhibitions at Fotografiska Berlin, in collaboration with Udo Kittelmann, long-time director of the National Gallery Berlin, and in partnership with Jenny Paris, head of Helga Paris' estate, the exhibition comprehensively honours Paris' work while tracing her lasting influence on modern photography.

Additional information
Dates
September 2025
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