Wim Wenders rises earlier today.
Wim Wenders' "The Art of Seeing" Exhibition Opens in Bonn
Wim Wenders, the esteemed filmmaker known for classics like "Buena Vista Social Club", "Paris, Texas", and "Wings of Desire", is celebrating his 80th birthday with an immersive retrospective at the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn, Germany. The exhibition, titled "W.I.M.: The Art of Seeing" (also known as The Act of Seeing), runs from August 1, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
The exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration of Wenders' multifaceted career as a filmmaker, photographer, draftsman, and visual artist. It presents an extensive survey of his creative output beyond cinema, including photographs, polaroids, drawings, collages, 'electronic paintings' (digitally retouched video images), storyboards, props, and behind-the-scenes materials.
The show's focus is on Wenders' unique approach to visual storytelling, particularly his fascination with landscapes, solitude, and quiet daily moments, as revealed through a curated selection of intimate polaroids from early films.
A highlight of the exhibition is a state-of-the-art audiovisual installation that immerses visitors in Wenders' cinematic oeuvre, incorporating 3D elements that echo his recent documentaries like Pina (2011) and Anselm (2023).
Wim Wenders personally narrates an audio walk throughout the exhibition, providing context and insight into his work and creative processes. The exhibition is organized by the Bundeskunsthalle in cooperation with the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum in Frankfurt, the Wim Wenders Stiftung in Düsseldorf, Wenders Images in Berlin, and Road Movies in Berlin.
The exhibition not only celebrates Wenders' impact on cinema but also highlights his broader artistic vision. After Bonn, a reimagined version of the show will travel to Frankfurt’s DFF museum from March to October 2026.
Wenders, who currently resides near Berlin, finds beauty in the changing landscape from his home window. Each day's view is unique, and he prefers the world's appearance in the mornings. Upon waking, he first looks out the window to take in the day's new scene.
The exhibition is open to the public and offers a rare opportunity to delve into the mind of a master storyteller, exploring the act of seeing through his eyes.
- Wim Wenders' display of homemade artwork, including photographs, drawings, and electronic paintings, provides a glimpse into his home-and-garden lifestyle.
- The unique polaroids displayed in the exhibition show Wenders' fascination with outdoor-living and quiet daily moments, mirroring his preferred morning vista from his home window.
