© Photo: 2023 © Beate Gütschow, VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2024
Felix Hoffmann
Dystopian situations with people standing on the edge of an abyss, landscapes devoid of humans, and deserted villages—it takes a second look to realize that these photographs depict crowds of protesters, remains of civilization-related interventions after flood disasters, or traces of fires that have ravaged forests and landscapes. These events did not take place just anywhere on the globe in the past years; they all happened in Germany.
Within weeks of the events, Beate Gütschow visited these places. In long-term photographic studies, she develops antitheses that counter the conventional images of catastrophes spread by the media. Her images are quieter, encouraging an emotional and analytical response. Gütschow is also part of the climate justice movement, documenting activities such as occupations and demonstrations as a participant and chronicler—an insider’s perspective—and transforming them into diary-like entries that tell of experiences and encounters on site as well as reflect on the political context and the psychological impact of global warming.
