Artist Talk—Candida Höfer: Turks in Germany 1979

Renowned artist Candida Höfer (b. 1944) is best known for her large-format photographs of vacant, sober, and highly detailed interiors. One of her earliest series, however, focused on “guest workers” who joined West Germany’s labor force after World War II. In this lecture, the artist discusses the photographic series, titled “Turks in Germany 1979.” The work is featured in our current special exhibition “Crossing Lines, Constructing Home: Displacement and Belonging in Contemporary Art.” “Turks in Germany 1979” is a rare artistic reflection on the changing social and cultural landscape at the time of its making; it continues to resonate today in the face of the largest refugee crisis since World War II and ongoing debates—often centered on Germany—about migration, racism, and national identity. The Busch-Reisinger Museum Lectures, sponsored by the German Friends of the Busch-Reisinger Museum, present important speakers on topics of central and northern European art. In addition, modern and contemporary art programs at the Harvard Art Museums are made possible in part by generous support from the Emily Rauh Pulitzer and Joseph Pulitzer, Jr., Fund for Modern and Contemporary Art. Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Menschel Hall, Harvard Art Museums.