Cinema is a visual language. It is a kind of art that tells you through your eyes first, and then through the rest of your senses. That's why a great filmmaker needs to have a good sense of photography, and Wim Wenders is no exception — not only in cinematography. He has exhibited his photographic work several times, mainly centred on his life dedicated to cinema. Now, NYC’s Howard Greenberg Gallery puts together a new solo show until the 15th of March that, through images taken by Wenders himself, narrates his wanderings through the America that would inspire his movies.
How can a European filmmaker so faithfully transport the Texan spirit to the big screen? In 1983, with his future famous film Paris, Texas in mind, Wenders embarked on a journey through the American West. However, this was not the first time the director had ventured into the arid lands of the American Southwest with camera in hand. He had already visited the United States several times in previous years, always photographing the landscapes and encounters he encountered along the way.
All these journeys together have resulted in Written Once. An open window through which to look out and observe the golden days of old Hollywood and Wenders' journey through America. But not only does it feature photographs, some of them are accompanied by poetic stories written by the director himself. But to see them, you'll have to go in person.
The exhibition Written Once by Wim Wenders is on view through March 15th at Howard Greenberg Gallery, 41 East 57th Street, Suite 801, New York.
Flammable I, 1983, Terlingua, Texas © Wim Wenders/ Wenders Images and Howard Greenberg Gallery
Lounge Painting II, 1983, Gila Bend © Wim Wenders/ Wenders Images and Howard Greenberg Gallery
The Theatre, 1987, Texas © Wim Wenders/ Wenders Images and Howard Greenberg Gallery
Nicholas Ray, Dennis Hopper, 1978, Barstow © Wim Wenders/ Wenders Images and Howard Greenberg Gallery
John Lurie, 1986, Montreal © Wim Wenders/ Wenders Images and Howard Greenberg Gallery