The Museum of Contemporary Photography Cinisello Balsamo, on the outskirts of Milan, hosts an exhibition of 18 images (and video) by the German photographer Karen Knorr (Frankfurt am Main, 1954) from the “Fables” series, made between the years 2003 and 2008 until September 12, 2010

Early in her career Knorr, became interested in social reportage, and aligned herself with the new trend developed by British documentary photographers such as Martin Parr, Anna Fox, Pauil Seawright, Keth Arnatt and Eileen Perrier while living in the UK. She became known to audiences and critics with her series Gentleman (1981-1983), a report on English clubs for men. Later she turned her attention to the study of the relationship between nature and society.

The images displayed in Milan are from this phase of her creative journey. The viewer who visits the exhibit will wonder at large-format photographs which highlight contrasting natural elements with formal settings and the overlap between the wild and cultural and artistic expressions of human beings. The main protagonists of the photographs are animals, alive or stuffed (birds, foxes, wild boars, fawns etc.) which are placed in atypical and surprising contexts, like cultural and artistic venues such as museums or historic buildings (the Carnavalet Museum in Paris, the Musée Condé in Chantilly, Chambord Castle Museum of Hunting and Nature of Paris, the Villa Savoye and the Museum of Orsay)

Knorr has exhibited her works in prestigious cultural institutions, and also given classes or lectures at the Tate Modern, the University of Westminster, Goldsmiths, Harvard, and the Art Institute of Chicago. She currently teaches photography at the University College of Creative Arts in Farnham.

Do not miss the opportunity to admire the works of this unique photographer. Admission is also free. Stay in the heart of the Lombard capital, to enjoy the best shops, bars and apartments in Milan. For more information on museum opening times and how to get there, consult the the Museum of Contemporary Photography website http://www.mufoco.org.