The "Annsichtssache" exhibition was a collaborative project that explored the potential and diversity of Annenstraße, a vibrant street in Graz, Austria. The exhibition aimed to reimagine the future of urban spaces by presenting innovative ideas for green living and sustainable development. Through a series of interactive stations, visitors were invited to engage with the history, present, and future of Annenstraße, fostering a sense of community and inspiring collective action.
The exhibition was a multidisciplinary effort, combining elements of design, journalism, environmental studies, and public engagement. It was based on data from the Institute of Energy, Transport, and Environmental Management and the Bachelor’s program in Journalism and Public Relations at FH JOANNEUM. The goal was to create an immersive experience that not only informed but also emotionally connected visitors to the street and its potential for transformation.
My Role: The Photo Series Team
As part of the Photo Series Team, my role was to capture the essence of Annenstraße through photography, highlighting the street’s unique character and often-overlooked details. This was a deeply personal and emotional journey for me, as I became intimately connected to the street and its stories through my lens.
1. Planning and Concept Development
The project began with a clear vision: to create a visual narrative that would showcase the atmosphere and beauty of Annenstraße, while also drawing attention to its hidden details. We wanted to capture the street’s raw, unfiltered reality—its textures, colors, and life—while also hinting at its potential for a greener, more vibrant future.
Defining the Scope: We planned the photo shoots meticulously, deciding on the types of images we wanted to capture. The goal was to focus on details that are often ignored, such as architectural elements, street art, and everyday moments that define the street’s character.
Emotional Connection: From the very beginning, I felt a strong attachment to the project. Annenstraße is more than just a street—it’s a living, breathing space with its own history and personality. Capturing its essence through photography allowed me to connect with it on a deeper level.
2. Execution: Capturing the Soul of Annenstraße
During the holiday season, we embarked on a series of photo shoots, exploring every corner of Annenstraße. The process was both challenging and rewarding, as we sought to capture the street’s unique atmosphere.
Photography Process: We focused on details that are often overlooked—cracks in the pavement, graffiti, the play of light and shadow, and the interactions between people and their environment. Each photo was carefully composed to tell a story, evoking a sense of place and emotion.
Editing and Selection: After the shoots, we curated the images, selecting those that best represented the street’s character. Each photo was edited to enhance its visual impact while staying true to the raw, authentic feel of Annenstraße.
Presentation: Bringing the Photos to Life
The final step was to integrate the photos into the exhibition space, creating a visual narrative that would resonate with visitors.
Printing and Layout: We ordered high-quality paper for the prints and postcards, ensuring that the images would look stunning in the exhibition. The photos were arranged on the wall, and the layout was finalized digitally. Each image was plotted, cut, and mounted onto cardboard, while a separate layout was designed for the postcards.
Exhibition Setup: On the day of the setup, we projected the layout onto the wall and meticulously mounted each photo. The result was a visually striking display that drew visitors into the world of Annenstraße, allowing them to see the street through our eyes.
Handmade Postcards
Some of the photos were selected to be turned into postcards, which I personally designed. Since the budget was zero, I took on the task of printing and cutting every single photo and postcard by hand. This hands-on process added a personal touch to the final product, making each postcard a unique piece of art.
The "Annsichtssache" exhibition was a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. As part of the Photo Series Team, I had the opportunity to capture the soul of Annenstraße and contribute to a larger vision of sustainable urban development. This project will always hold a special place in my portfolio, not just for the technical skills I developed, but for the emotional connection I formed with the subject matter. Through my photography, I was able to tell the story of a street in transition, and in doing so, I became a part of its story as well.
