What Makes a Photographer Exceptional?
Inside Magnum: A Lecture with Andréa Holzherr (Global Cultural Director and Curator, Magnum Photos)
In this lecture, hosted by Andréa Holzherr, the Global Cultural Director and Curator for Magnum Photos in Paris, you discover how to create lasting cultural relevance beyond images.
Through case studies – including our current exhibition Bruce Gilden with his show Why These? – you gain insights into how photographers develop a distinct voice, sustain long term projects and navigate the critical role of editing in shaping meaningful and enduring work.
Topics of the lecture
• Rethinking “Exceptional”
• Inside Magnum: How photographers are chosen
• Case Studies: Magnum × Fotografiska (Selected photographers: Bruce Gilden and others)
• Editing / curating as the core of Magnum thinking
• Challenges in developing as a photographer
• What Magnum looks for in the next generation
Why you should join
This lecture is open to everyone interested in this topic – whether you are a photography lover, aspiring or established photographer.
About the speaker
Andréa Holzherr is a Paris-based curator, exhibition director, and cultural strategist best known for her work with Magnum Photos, where she has been the Global Cultural Director since 2003. She specializes in international photography exhibitions, artist collaborations, and the promotion of Magnum's collection through partnerships with museums and cultural institutions across the world. Holzherr studied art history and cultural management at the École du Louvre and the Sorbonne, and she has curated several prestigious photographic exhibitions and publications during her career.