The exhibition is the fourth of twelve exhibitions taking place at Leica Galleries worldwide to mark the 100th anniversary of the Leica I.

From 19 April to 12 July 2025, Leica Gallery Munich will be hosting the exhibition “In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Johanna Maria Fritz & Jürgen Schadeberg”. It is part of the international series of exhibitions celebrating the 100th anniversary of Leica photography being held at 12 Leica Galleries worldwide, which will present outstanding photographs from the past and present engaged in a visual dialogue. 100 Years of Leica photography have produced a host of outstanding photographic moments, which now take centre stage in the growing network of 29 Leica Galleries. As mediators of culture, art and knowledge, the galleries have taken on significant social responsibility. In the process, they are striking a balance between presenting contemporary photography and showcasing the great icons of yesteryear. On the occasion of this centenary, Leica is celebrating this heritage with a special concept that fosters a conversation between photography of the past and present. An exhibition will open in a selected Leica Gallery every month, linking a contemporary talent with one of the Leica Hall of Fame winners. The end result will be twelve captivating pairs whose works complement one another, reference each other and spark inspiration for all.

In the exhibition, the two photographers’ works engage in an exciting dialogue about time, change and memory. While Schadeberg’s images heighten historical awareness and document South Africa’s social upheavals, Fritz focuses on areas that are currently in crisis and the effects of this. “Jürgen Schadeberg and I come from different generations, but our pictures share a common stance: positioning documentary photography as a testament to history and human destinies,” explains Johanna Maria Fritz. “The juxtaposition opens up new perspectives on the universal themes of resistance, hope and the desire not to be forgotten.”

Jürgen Schadeberg (1931–2020) was one of the most prolific chroniclers of the South African apartheid era. Born in Berlin, he emigrated to South Africa in 1950 and became Chief Photographer for Drum magazine, which was active in raising the black population’s voice against the regime. His photographs, which include the iconic image of Nelson Mandela in his former prison cell on Robben Island, bear witness to a deep humanistic gaze and a tireless pursuit of truth. Unbiased and with great respect, Schadeberg documented life in a divided country to such extent that he also became part of the history he recorded. Schadeberg received numerous awards for his outstanding images, including the Leica Hall of Fame Award for his life’s work in 2018. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Valencia in 2014 in recognition of his services to photography on a global scale. His photographs feature in the collections held by renowned institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Berlin-based photographer Johanna Maria Fritz is carrying on this tradition of documentary photography. She has been travelling to areas in crisis and war zones, including Afghanistan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine, for many years, documenting the effects of political conflicts on the people on the ground using vivid imagery. Her special feel for social dynamics and her undaunted commitment make her works powerful testimonies to our times. Her series on circus communities in Muslim countries has been exhibited internationally and shows the resilient power of art in the midst of difficult contexts. She has received numerous awards for her photographic work, including the Inge Morath Prize, the German Peace Prize for Photography and the 2024 World Press Photo Award. Her work has been published in international media, such as Der Spiegel, Die Zeit and Le Monde, and exhibited worldwide.

The exhibition “In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Johanna Maria Fritz & Jürgen Schadeberg” will be open to the public from 19 April to 12 July 2025 at Leica Gallery Munich (4 Maffeistraße). The opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century

In 2025, Leica Camera AG is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, which was first presented to the public at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. As the first 35 mm still camera to be mass-produced, it exceeded all expectations. Because with its compact and handy format, it opened up a whole new range of new photographic applications. All around the globe, under the motto “100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century”, Leica Camera AG will be celebrating this camera, which revolutionised the world of photography. Cultural projects and extraordinary special-edition products will be launched throughout the year at international events organised by the Leica national subsidiaries in the major cities of Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai and Tokyo. The anniversary week, taking place in Wetzlar, the company’s headquarters, in June, marks the high point of the celebrations. On top of that, visitors can look forward to top-class exhibitions in the worldwide network of Leica Galleries with works by outstanding photographers.

Please find further information at:

Leica Camera AG
Fabian Pecht
Corporate Communications
Phone +49 (0) 151 1093 4599
fabian.pecht@leica-camera.com