So German!

This playfulness, this amazement that is the driving force behind every researcher is the focus of the latest project by the renowned photographer Herlinde Koelbl. From astronomy, biochemistry and quantum physics to stem-cell research and artificial intelligence: Herlinde Koelbl has created highly unusual portraits of the world’s leading natural scientists and Nobel Prize-winners, 30 of which will be shown at the University of Waterloo.

A formula, a philosophy, a quote: the photographic artist Koelbl asked the portrayed persons to note the quintessence of their research on their hand. In this way the fascination of science literally becomes tangible. Herlinde Koelbl tells the story of researchers as people searching for the mysterious of which Einstein, one of the most famous members of the Berlin Academy of Science and Humanities, spoke. The interviewed scientists also talk approachably about personal experiences, successes and setbacks on their way to the top.

The exhibition shows this unique glimpse behind the scenes of science. 30thinkers – including University of Waterloo Professor of Physics and Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland – provide a survey of the progress that is currently being made in the broad field of the natural sciences. In this way the importance of international exchange, especially in times of crisis, becomes clear.

Herlinde Koelbl is one of the most renowned German photographic artists. Her work includes long-term photographic projects, documentary films and video installations. For her best-known study, The Traces of Power, she photographed and interviewed personalities in politics and industry between 1991 and 1998. Among her books of photography are The German Living Room, Fine People, Jewish Portraits and Clothes Make the Man. This led to the book The Traces of Power, showing the changes, among others, Angela Merkel the former chancellor.