Opening January 29th, 2025, Written Once brings the photographic works of renowned German filmmaker Wim Wenders to Howard Greenberg Gallery, running through March 15th. This exhibition highlights Wenders’ poetic exploration of the American West and his cinematic journeys in Hollywood, featuring over 40 photographs from two pivotal series: Written in the West and Once. Together, these works offer a rare glimpse into the creative mind of a director who has left an indelible mark on cinema.
The Written in the West series, born from a road trip in the 1980s, captures the expansive landscapes of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Originally conceived as a visual exploration for Wenders’ iconic film Paris, Texas, the photographs transcend their role as location research, revealing his fascination with light and the mythology of the frontier.
Once, on the other hand, turns the lens inward, chronicling Wenders’ encounters with Hollywood legends such as Martin Scorsese, Jim Jarmusch, and Isabella Rossellini. Each photograph is paired with a personal anecdote, weaving narrative and image into a tapestry of cinematic storytelling. Among the highlights is the humorous When Martin Scorsese had a flat tire II, capturing an unexpected roadside moment in the Valley of the Gods.
Curated with a literary sensibility, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the intersection of photography and film. Wenders’ narrative texts accompany his images, offering an intimate portrait of his creative process and the symbiotic relationship between still and moving pictures.
As one of the foremost figures of contemporary cinema, Wenders has shaped film history with works like Paris, Texas and Wings of Desire. His influence extends beyond filmmaking to photography, literature, and education, with his Düsseldorf-based Wenders Foundation preserving and sharing his legacy.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Wim Wenders—where every frame tells a story, and every story lingers long after the lights fade.
Entire Family, Las Vegas, New Mexico, from the series, Written in the West, 1983
Sun Dries, Las Vegas, New Mexico, from the series, Written in the West, 1983
When Martin Scorcese had a flat tire II, 1977
Jim Jarmusch, Roberto Benigni, Montreal, from the series, Once, 1986
Harry Dean Stanton, New York, from the series, Once, 1984
John Lurie, Montreal, from the series, Once, 1986
Lounge paintings. Gila Bend, Arizona, from the series, Written in the West, 1983
Union, Ludlow, California, 1983
