In 1989, Richard Reisen spent several months as a security guard in an asylum seekers' inn at 5 Schiessstrasse in Düsseldorf-Heerdt, bringing his camera along. His photographs exemplify 'participatory observation,' capturing people, situations, and objects with a fresh perspective. Over thirty years later, these images resonate with themes of flight and migration. They include handwritten notes in a visitor's book, vintage sash windows, and a cigarette machine, reflecting a culture where smoking was prevalent. Timeless motifs emerge, such as portraits beside cars, individuals proudly on their bicycles, cooking on a cramped hob, and the long waits next to a running washing machine. The highway in front of the terrace remains, along with the views from the rooms and balcony. A recurring theme is the passage of time, depicted through activities like haircuts, smoking, phone calls, and simply hanging out. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the human experience within the context of migration, capturing moments that are both distant and immediate, revealing the everyday lives of those seeking refuge.
Richard Reisen Book order (chronological)
