CANDIDA: My interest is in the time of the space.
Spaces carry their own time, which may be different
from the time of the people who use the space. Nevertheless,
this does not render spaces timeless.
MUSÉE: What is it about a space that draws you in?
CANDIDA: It depends on the space, just as a portrait
depends on the face: sometimes the eyes, sometimes
the mouth, sometimes the eyebrows ...
MUSÉE: Do you consider the history of a room or
space before you photograph it?
MUSÉE: Your work is said to be very conceptual,
influenced by the work of your teachers, Bernd and
Hilla Becher. What is the concept that you are trying
to access with your photographs? How does the
influence of the Bechers come through in your work?
CANDIDA: I like to leave the answers to those questions
to the professionals. To me, whatever is in the
image is my concept.
MUSÉE: What do you hope is the impact your photographs
have on the photography world and the
world overall?
CANDIDA: I do some reading, talk to people…but in
the end, I can only show what I actually see in the space.
CANDIDA: That people take some time to look at
my images.
MUSÉE: Looking back, why do you choose to photograph
interiors nearly exclusively? Do you like the cohesion
in your work or do you long for further exploration?
MUSÉE: Why did you make the decision to take
more minimalistic approach? How did that change
come about?
CANDIDA: Interiors are an inexhaustible resource;
there are still so many places I want to see.
MUSÉE: What does the phrase ‘psychology of social
architecture’ mean? This phrase is often used to describe
what it is you photograph, but what does it mean to you?
CANDIDA: If I remember correctly, I myself have
not used that phrase. I suppose it means that people
develop a relationship with places and perhaps the
spaces with them.
CANDIDA: As you have observed already, I have an
attachment to details that – I increasingly felt – deserved
its own image. And it helps that this kind of work –
while it demands the same amount attention – demands
less organization. But I still like doing it both ways.
MUSÉE: What motivates your desire to simplify
your work?
CANDIDA: Practicality. I like to travel and sometimes
it is easier to travel just with a hand-held camera.
Candida Höfer. Köln / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, Hermitage St. Petersburg XII 2014.
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