Photography between Truth, Power and Polarization
31 Jan | James Nachtwey on photography’s role to bear witness in an age of misinformation
Overview
In this lecture, James Nachtwey, whose work is being shown in the exhibition Memoria, reflects on the role of photography – at a time when the boundary between journalism and political propaganda has become increasingly blurred, fueling misinformation and social polarization.
Drawing on decades of experience documenting conflict worldwide, the award-winning photographer shares a deeply personal perspective on how images are made, understood, and misused. Through untold moments behind the camera, ethical risks, and quiet human encounters, he also offers insight into his approach to bearing witness and why truthful, compassionate storytelling remains essential today.
With the ticket you enjoy access to all of our exhibitions the entire day, including Memoria.
Image credit: © James Nachtwey
About the Artist
James Nachtwey (b. 1948) is widely regarded as one of the leading photojournalists of the last half-century. Since 1981, he has documented conflict and social upheaval across the globe, working as a contract photographer for TIME since 1984, as a member of Magnum Photos from 1986 to 2000 and as a founding member of the photo agency VII from 2001 to 2008.
His work has received numerous accolades, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal five times, the Magazine Photographer of the Year eight times, the World Press Photo of the Year Award twice, the Dan David Prize, the TED Prize, and the Princess of Asturias Award. Nachtwey’s photographs are held in major international collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Centre Pompidou and the Getty Museum. In 2001, War Photographer, a feature length documentary film, directed by Christian Frei, about the life and work of James Nachtwey was nominated for an Academy Award.
Schedule
- 12:30 – Doors Open
- 13:00 – Lecture with James Nachtwey
- 14:30 – End
Tickets
- 35 € – Lecture (incl. Museum Entry)
- 25 € – Fotografiska Members
What's included
- Access to the lecture with the photographer
- Access to the museum, including all exhibitions
