Ellen von Unwerth: My Circus

The Fotomuseum at the Vrijthof in Maastricht presents from 31 January to 13 September 2026 a significant exhibition by the renowned German fashion and art photographer Ellen von Unwerth. The exhibition My Circusfeatures 160 iconic photographs of models and pop stars where femininity, playfulness, eroticism and fashion are at the centre. The elegant images were created for fashion brands, magazines, and her own inspiring magazine VON and her books.

The exhibition showcases photographs of top model Claudia Schiffer, with whom Ellen von Unwerth made an early breakthrough as a photographer. Colour works alternate with black and white portraits of celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, RuPaul, Beyoncé, Madonna, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna. An important role is reserved for the intimate images from her first monographSnaps (1994). Two videos are also presented.

The magical circus is the common thread of the exhibition and reflects Ellen von Unwerth's long-standing fascination with this cultural phenomenon. At a young age, she worked for three years at Circus Roncalli in Munich, as an assistant to the knife thrower and clown, an experience that continues to inspire her. In My Circus, this theme is expressed through the exuberant use of colour, theatrical compositions, and the dynamic character of the photographs.

After a successful ten-year modelling career, Ellen von Unwerth (Frankfurt, 1954) has been behind the camera for forty years. The influential fashion photographer enjoys great international acclaim. Her provocative and cinematic work is characterised by a playful, sensual, and cheeky style. The photographer captures the personality and strength of female models and artists in an original way, combining glamour with irony and humour.

Among Ellen von Unwerth's clients are Chanel, Dior, G-Star, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, and magazines such as ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. The photographer exhibits worldwide in renowned galleries and museums, including MoMA in New York, the European House of Photography (MEP) in Paris, and Fotografiska in New York, Stockholm, and Tallinn. Her works are also showcased at fairs such as Art Basel Miami, Paris Photo, and Photo London. Ellen von Unwerth has been honoured by the British Royal Photographic Society.

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