Her portraits of heads of state, party leaders, and famous artists often adorned the cover pages of the weekly magazine. As the proud photographer of these images, she showed them in exhibitions throughout her life. The presentation at the MAK will show a different, less well-known side of her work—one that nowadays especially has the capacity to delight.

Between vernissages, conferences, and premieres, Barbara Pflaum tirelessly roamed the streets of Vienna and observed its inhabitants. Situational photographs and masterful portraits not only bring to light her extraordinary powers of observation, her sense of humor, and her phenomenal flair for form, but also reveal an encompassing social sensibility. Taken for herself, in passing—these photographs are the subject of the exhibition.

Some found their way into a Vienna photo book published by Pflaum in 1961, but many have never been released. The images show the city’s inhabitants going about their daily lives, as well as street protests, condemned neighborhoods, and scenes from the annual Christmas markets.

Guest Curator: Karolina Ziębińska