Legacy of East German photographers Helga Paris and Thomas Billhardt

Recent reflections and exhibitions highlight the legacies of prominent East German documentary photographers Helga Paris and Thomas Billhardt.

Jenny Paris, daughter of photographer Helga Paris, has shared insights into her mother’s work documenting the decay and atmosphere of the GDR. She noted that her mother’s series on Halle in the 1980s captured the city's pollution and urban decline, aided by Jenny’s connections to local artists. Her work also included documenting Berlin's punk subculture, a subject her mother initially found intimidating.

Meanwhile, an exhibition at Fotografiska Berlin titled ‘Die Augen weit offen’ showcases the work of Thomas Billhardt. The late photographer, who passed away in January 2025, was known for maintaining an independent perspective despite his proximity to political events. His portfolio includes significant reportage from Vietnam, as well as historical images of figures like Salvador Allende and Augusto Pinochet. Billhardt famously chose to return to East Germany after traveling abroad, seeking to bring global experiences back to his home country without adhering to specific party ideologies.