Kunstforum der TU Darmstadt

With "HILDE ROTH. A time travel through Darmstadt 1950 – 1990", the Kunstforum der TU Darmstadt dedicates an exhibition to the photographer and post-war reporter for the first time. In the spring of 2020, Hilde Roth's photographic estate of more than 115,000 analog photographs was donated to TU Darmstadt for an exhibition.

"Never photograph something that doesn't interest you." This saying by the American photographer Lisette Model is especially true for Hilde Roth (*1927 GER, †2019 GER), whose photographs are characterized by an alert and unpretentious gaze.

Her black-and-white photographs show people's everyday lives in naturalistic as well as humorous situations, in their leisure time or at work, also including many photographs from the fields of fashion and sports. Special events such as the visit of Konrad Adenauer or Hildegard Knef were also documented. The pictures tell the story of the eventful post-war period: from the spirit of optimism in the 1950s, the economic miracle, the Roaring 60s to the 1980s. "They are always close to people and show Roth's humane view of the world," says Julia Reichelt, curator of the exhibition.

Her photographs are a visual journey through time and represent a sense of life for an entire era in an exemplary way. The spectrum of her images is as diverse as life itself.

The Kunstforum der TU Darmstadt continues its successful exhibition series situated in the urban space. Following “HOME SWEET HOME” as part of the 11th Darmstadt Photography Days, the show "HILDE ROTH. A time travel through Darmstadt 1950 - 1990" now honors the work of the photographer and post-war reporter for the first time with displays placed in central places around the city.