For the first time in the Netherlands, the Kunsthal Rotterdam presents a retrospective of Bettina Rheims (Paris, 1952), France's most celebrated contemporary photographer. A selection of over 130 works has been compiled from various series, from her debut Female Trouble (1981-1991) to her most recent Shanghai (2003). At first glance, her photographs look as if they come from a glossy magazine. As a former glamour and fashion photographer, she has mastered this form of photography to perfection. But at the same time she subtly deforms her models, creating a surprising or even indefinable image when you consider it a second time.

Bettina Rheims' prime subject is glamour - not sentiment, not nostalgia and not even beauty. Even though such celebrities as Claudia Schiffer, Kylie Minogue, Angelina Jolie and Madonna have posed before her camera, the photos have nothing to do with fame or celebrity. It is all about glamour, and glamour alone. At the heart of these photos is a keen awareness of the creation of an illusion - a tension between the artificial and the real. In short, everything glamour is about.

Overview of the famous French photographer

The exhibition also features subjects other than women, presented using a similar style, such as the stuffed animals of the Animal series and the Jesus-inspired scenes of the I.N.R.I. series. This major retrospective includes works from the following series: Female Trouble, Animal, Modern Lovers, Chambre Close, Les Espionnes, Kim Harlow, I.N.R.I., Xmas, Morceaux choisis, Pourquoi m'as-tu abandonnée? and Shanghai. Published by Schirmer/Mosel Verlag (Munich), a catalogue bearing the same name as the retrospective (available both in English and German) accompanies the exhibition.

Publicatiom

Bettina Reims, Retrospective

Collaboration

Galerie Jérôme B20de Noirmont, Paris

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

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  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

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