The moon landing on 20 July 1969 was one of the events of the century. Fifty years after man first set foot on the surface of the moon, Fotostiftung Schweiz looks at the photographic representation of this celestial body, which has always inspired people’s fantasies. It presents not so much a scientific or documentary examination of the moon, as the pictorial translation of an elusive experience. The “de-mystification” of the moon is a shock that has also released artistic energies. The romantic transfiguration has given way to a debate about the role of humankind in the universe. This is expressed in conceptual and epistemological approaches which, however, also preserve the sensual fascination emanating from the moon. In addition to selected historical works, contemporary works and installations are primarily presented.

Artists: Edy Brunner, Joan Fontcuberta, Max Grüter, Daniela Keiser, James Nasmyth, Robert Pufleb & Nadine Schlieper, Luciano Rigolini, Lewis M. Rutherfurd, Bianca Salvo, Pierrick Sorin, Christian Waldvogel. (Fotostiftung Schweiz press-release)