Lothar Wolleh sees Jan Schoonhoven. Masters of Rhythm and Light

The exhibition Lothar Wolleh sees Jan Schoonhoven in Museum Prinsenhof Delft tells the story of an extraordinary friendship between the Delft visual artist Jan Schoonhoven (1914-1994) and photographer Lothar Wolleh. It is the first time that a full-scale museum exhibition pays tribute to these two artists, as initiators of various artist projects, but above all as artistic kindred spirits.

The exhibition at Museum Prinsenhof Delft combines reliefs and drawings by Jan Schoonhoven with over 80 photographs by Lothar Wolleh. Against the background of their shared fascination for the effect of rhythm and light, the exhibition offers a new perspective on the life and work of Jan Schoonhoven. Moreover, the exhibition offers insight into Lothar Wolleh’s innovative photographic approach, with a special attention to composition, contrasts and the effects of light.

Facination for the every-day

 Jan Schoonhoven and Lothar Wolleh maintained intensive contact for several years from 1968 onwards. In Delft, Schoonhoven showed the photographer what fascinated him about the city, and how everyday rhythms of facades, brickwork and paving were reflected in abstract, autonomous drawings and reliefs. 

But Lothar Wolleh’s photography is above all personal. Wolleh captured the most intimate moments in the Schoonhoven family house; tranquil portraits and photos of the artist at work. The photos also show that the Schoonhoven family home was the center of the vibrant cultural life of the Delft-The Hague region.

Very special are Wolleh’s various collaborative projects with other artists that can be seen in the exhibition. Including photo portraits of Wolleh that have been edited by the artists portrayed, and various artist books, with contributions from artists such as Joseph Beuys, Günther Uecker, Heinz Mack and Jan Schoonhoven.

Publication, an Artist´book

 A special publication accompanying the exhibition is published in close collaboration with the Lothar Wolleh Estate. Part of this publication is a previously unpublished artists’ book that the artists conceived in 1971. The publication also contains an essay by Antoon Melissen, curator of the exhibition at Museum Prinsenhof Delft. As with the original artists’ book from 1971, an embossed print adorns the cover of this publication.

The exhibition Lothar Wolleh sees Jan Schoonhoven. Masters of Rhythm and Light
runs until the 7th of January 2024.