Rene' Burri
dal 20/5/2013 al 24/8/2013
Segnalato da
University Museum and Art Gallery - UMAG
20/5/2013
Rene' Burri
University Museum and Art Gallery - UMAG, Hong Kong
Utopia. Burri's work is often referred to as 'constructive photography', and his portfolio of images are considered one of the greatest collections of 20th century iconography.
In association, The University Museum and Art Gallery and Le French May are honoured to present the major exhibition UTOPIA of photographer René Burri’s most significant photos of international architects and their iconic buildings, demonstrating his keen interest in architecture within social and cultural contexts. Burri’s work is often referred to as «constructive photography», and his portfolio of images are considered one of the greatest collections of 20th century iconography. UTOPIA features many of these fascinating images, as well as portraits of influential and award-winning architects Oscar Niemeyer (1907–2012) and Le Corbusier (1887–1965).
Burri is a photographer of vision, an artist who tests out the revolutionary implications of the imagination. This approach explains his early interest in China, an ancient civilisation which, in the middle of the 20th century, was searching for new concepts to overcome social unrest, famine, illiteracy, migration and changing demographics. Burri witnessed and documented many major events of the last five decades, such as, for example in South America, the creation of the futuristic city Brasilia, the Brazilian federal capital that plays host to stunning architectural treasures created by Brazilian modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer. Although a witness to politics and history, Burri is no ordinary photojournalist but a well-established artist able to find telling metaphors for the condition of our world. This outstanding quality, together with a deep sense of humanity, gives his photography a cultural and artistic value.
The exhibition “René Burri – UTOPIA” shows 130 photographs. It was conceptualised and set up with the help of the artist, the writer Hans-Michaël Koetzle, and the collaboration of the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Le French May arts festival and with the support of Magnum Photos. It has been organized thanks to the exclusive sponsorship of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. We thank René Burri for his international vision, his unique photographic oeuvre and this opportunity to share this fine selection of some of his most celebrated photographs with the public.
The exhibition preview will take place at the Museum at 6:00 pm on Monday 20th May, 2013. Mr. René Burri will be present. Members of the press are warmly invited to attend.
University Museum and Art Gallery - UMAG
94 Bonham Road, Pokfulam (University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong
Hours: mon-sat 9.30am-6pm, sun 1-6pm