Born: 1951 in Wolfsburg
Lives and works: Since 1979 in Berlin
Occupation: Photographer, photojournalist
Harry Hampel moved to West Berlin at the end of the 1970s and began his career there as a freelance photojournalist. The city immediately fascinated him, especially the Berlin Wall, which he documented in numerous black-and-white photographs. His works not only show the physical presence of the Wall but also its gradual disappearance after reunification.
Hampel's photographic style is documentary and poetic. He often works with before-and-after perspectives to make the transformation of urban spaces visible. Particularly well-known are his photo books 'The Wall' and 'The Changing Face of Berlin.' His pictures are emotional witnesses of time that make Berlin's history tangible.
A highlight of his career was the world tour to places named 'Berlin.' Hampel visited over 57 places worldwide that share the same name as the German capital. During this journey, he produced over 15,000 photos, which were showcased in an exhibition at the Red Town Hall in Berlin. This journey was not only photographically ambitious but also logistically challenging. His goal was to demonstrate the diversity and global nature of the name 'Berlin.'
Publications and exhibitions:
- 'Where Was the Wall?' (2014)
- 'Kurfürstendamm in Transition'
- Numerous exhibitions, including at the Red Town Hall Berlin and the Hotel Excelsior
.