Thomas Hoepker is considered one of the most important German photographers of the postwar era. Known for his precise documentary style and humanistic perspective, he shaped visual journalism for decades. As a long-time member and later president of the renowned Magnum Photos agency, Hoepker gained worldwide recognition. His work—from early reportage to his famous New York photographs - is now part of the collective memory and represents timeless, narratively rich photography.
A particular focus of the exhibition is on his striking New York photographs - quiet, often poetic observations of a city in flux. Hoepker does not depict New York as a postcard motif but as a living organism, full of contrasts, energy, and everyday stories. From iconic street scenes to intimate portraits and documentary moments that later gained historical significance, his visual language reveals a rare blend of closeness, clarity, and deep understanding of urban life.
About the photographer:
Thomas Hoepker, born in 1936 in Munich, is a renowned German photographer.
He began his career with Magnum Photos, shaping the field of photojournalism.
Höpker documented global events, from political crises to everyday life.
His style combines journalistic precision with an artistic eye for detail.
He published numerous photo books and exhibited internationally.
Höpker received multiple awards for his groundbreaking work in photography.
His images remain a timeless testament to culture, history, and human emotion.
Leica Gallery Heidelberg
Hauptstraße 157
69117 Heidelberg
Germany