
In her latest series Übergang (‘transition’), Leipzig-based artist Grit Schwerdtfeger, a master student of Joachim Brohm, explores the floating and unprotected state of the transitory - be it scenic-spatial, temporal or biographical transitions. In addition, she will present her work Das ganze Wasser (The Whole Water), in which a powerful river is brought to a standstill by photographic means. Only in this way are we able to capture in images an elemental force that we would otherwise not be able to see.
‘Part of what is conveyed immediately is a kind of modesty, no, tranquility; an awareness of the limited possibilities of all expression, as if the attempt to represent the whole world in an image would result in a shadow-play of what we are capable of. [...] Übergang is all perspectives at once; it is the time we have, no more. It is the one moment, a moment in passing, a moment in transition. Übergang describes one such circle in the most amazing and at the same time circumspect manner, and in doing so presents the art of photography at its full potential.’ Oliver Vogel in his essay for the catalogue
Grit Schwerdtfeger, b. 1971 in Anklam, studied photography at the Academy of Visual Arts in Leipzig under Astrid Klein and Joachim Brohm, graduating as his master student in 2001. Grit Schwerdtfeger has received numerous scholarships and awards, including a DAAD fellowship to study in Cuba, and a one-year residency at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Madrid. Her work is included in corporate and private collections in England, France, Austria, Belgium, Germany and Canada. She is a member of the lux photographers’ collective. Since 2012 she has been teaching photography at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin.
‘The beauty [of Grit Schwerdtfeger’s photographs] is in their ostentatious familiarity which everyone looks at but no one sees. Grit Schwertdtfeger reminds us of pure simplicity, opening our eyes to the miracle of the ordinary.’ ZOOM magazine
Founded in 2017 the Frankfurt-based Galerie—Peter—Sillem focuses on contemporary international photography, exhibiting both emerging and well-established artists from all around the globe. The gallery—a member of the Association of German Galleries and Fine Art Dealers (BVDG)—also performs an advisory role for private and corporate photography collections.

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services