Bernd and Hilla Becher

Siegen, Germany, 1931-2007

Postdam, Germany, 1934-2015

            The love story that marked the beginning of the artistic duo between Hilla and Bernd Becher was born during their university years while studying painting. Unaware of the destiny that awaited them, together they left a notable legacy in the history of photography, especially in the genre of industrial landscapes. The Bechers, influenced by Duchampian philosophy, recontextualized vernacular architecture as "anonymous sculpture," achieving comparisons and contrasts in their extensive archive, creating what they called "typologies." Through their series of black-and-white shots, the couple exhaustively documented the history and evolution of large industrial constructions in the United States and Europe. Their work, by comparing and contrasting various structures, reveals not only visual aesthetics but also the historical and technological evolution of these constructions.

            Bernd's childhood was imbued with industrial structures that captured his attention from an early age: mills, lime kilns, blast furnaces. Influenced by his parents' work environment in the steel and mining industry. Hilla, on the other hand, found her passion for photography at a young age. Her mother gifted her a camera and a complete set to establish her own darkroom, and she studied photography in the studio of the renowned photographer Walter Eichgrün, specializing in architectural elements. The Bechers stood out for their meticulous approach and commitment over almost half a century. Their choice to avoid cloudy skies, shadows, and human presence allowed them to highlight the sculptural qualities of these structures, granting them artistic dignity.

            Despite their apparent traditionalism in using large-format film and sticking to black and white, their approach was immediately recognized as innovative. Avoiding the convenience of 35-millimeter film and the allure of color allowed their photographs to transcend time, being recognized as masterpieces. Their legacy remains a key influence in the world of photography, highlighting the beauty in the industrial and the transcendence of anonymous art.