Civilization - Our Life in Focus

Progress, freedoms, conventions, and crises: Never before have so many people inhabited the Earth at the same time. In modern societies, our lives together are denser, more diverse, and more fast-paced than ever. Despite our varied lifestyles, there are key events, inventions, and experiences that connect us – whether consciously or unconsciously.

The exhibition Civilization captures similarities and differences in striking photographs. Viewed through the lenses of around 100 world-renowned photographers, it reveals a multilayered picture of contemporary societies and cultures heavily influenced by Western civilization. A selection of both artistic and documentary images display achievements as well as the darker sides of life today, shedding light on its defining aspects. Family, leisure, work, and consumption are juxtaposed with themes such as alienation, crime, environmental destruction, social breakdown, and war. The result is a familiar and yet surprising snapshot of our civilization, expressed in the language of photography.