The Black Box

War, exodus and the annihilation of culture are recurring themes across thousands of years of human history, brought once again to the forefront by the ongoing refugee crisis affecting millions. Unlike in the past, through new technology we can see and experience these grim themes in unprecedented and uncompromising ways.

Renowned photojournalist Ursula Meissner has spent the last 25 years of her career documenting the world’s hotspots. Her visceral style of photography depicts the victims of war and humanitarian disaster as individuals, not faceless masses. Together with artist Max Knippert, Ursula Meissner has created a monument to these victims – The Black Box – which breaks down barriers between the observer and those being depicted. Her photography touches the soul with its stark reminder of the constant hardships faced by those living in areas torn apart by war or disasters.

The Black Box exhibition is located in the middle of the Kleve Campus of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and can be viewed at any time of day. On 13 April Ursula Meissner and Max Knippert will be participating in a panel discussion in the Audimax building, where they will discuss the impressions and experiences that led them to unite the themes of war, flight and art in The Black Box.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Alexander Brand, Professor of Political Science with a focus on International Relations (Faculty of Society and Economics). Following the panel discussion, the group will move to The Black Box in the centre of campus for a joint viewing.

No prior registration or entry fee is required for the panel discussion.

Location: Building 1, ground floor, room 005 (lecture hall 1)

Language: German