James Nachtwey: Memoria

What does it mean to witness the worst acts that humans can inflict on each other – and still believe in compassion? Memoria showcases the work of James Nachtwey, one of the most influential photojournalists of our time.

The exhibition at Fotografiska Berlin centers on the humanitarian consequences of war and pressing social issues. The focus is on the individual and their position within broader historical upheavals. At the same time, the exhibition reflects on the fundamental role of photography itself: as a medium of remembrance, an act of preservation, and an instrument against forgetting. While his photographs undoubtedly contribute to preserving history, their essential purpose is to raise awareness of human suffering and structural injustices in the present moment, thus becoming an element of social change. In this way, photography breaks cycles of violence and erasure and preserves stories that might otherwise be lost.

Nachtwey's interest in photography began with the work of others: images from theVietnam War and the American civil rights movement shaped his sense of responsibilitylong before he picked up a camera himself. Even when he switched from localnewspaper assignments to global frontline reporting, his approach remained anchored in somethingastonishingly simple: empathy as a method, combined with instinctive precision anda deep belief in humanity. With his photographs, Nachtwey shows what connects us across allborders and differences. He captures both the urgency of the moment andits timeless significance.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.