Focused: The Billhardt Family of Photographers from Chemnitz

In the comprehensive exhibition—organized as part of the city anniversary “875 Years of Chemnitz” - the photographic work of Maria Schmid-Billhardt, her son Thomas Billhardt, and his children Steffen and Katrin is presented together.

Maria Schmid-Billhardt [1901–1983] is regarded as one of the most important portrait photographers of Chemnitz in the 20th century and, together with her husband Karlheinz Billhardt, ran a renowned photo studio for over five decades. The exhibition showcases not only photographs from Maria Schmid-Billhardt’s private photo archive but also submissions from the Chemnitz residents who were portrayed. Around 150 photographs provide insight into her life’s work.

Her son, Thomas Billhardt [b. 1937], is one of the best-known photojournalists in the history of the GDR. He traveled as a photographer to over 40 countries and produced images that became historical photo icons, including his famous photographs of the Vietnam War. His images tell not only of suffering but also of hope and optimism. Children symbolize hope - and they are the subjects to whom Thomas Billhardt, who also photographed for UNICEF, and his mother devoted the most attention. This aspect is given particular emphasis in the exhibition.

Photographs by Thomas Billhardt’s children, the third generation, are also part of the exhibition. Steffen Billhardt [b. 1966], now living in Singapore, works successfully as a fashion photographer. His sister Katrin [1969–2016] pursued various approaches to conceptual photography until her early death.