For the first time, we are presenting works from our collection of contemporary photography at the renowned Paris Photo fair. ‘Face to Face’ reveals the special power of photographic portraits through around 25 selected photographs by 23 international artists, which impressively convey the diversity, complexity and sensitivity of the human experience in a visual way. From quiet, intimate studies to bold social commentary, the works on display span continents, cultures and generations, reflecting the breadth of the Foundation's collection since 1999, which includes both famous and emerging, lesser-known voices.

The display highlights two recent acquisitions, both of whom raise awareness of socio-political pressures: made in response to the 2022 protests following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s hijab law, Hoda Afshar’s series “In Turn” portrays Iranian women in Australia, using the act of braiding hair as a metaphor for solidarity and resistance. In Aida Silvestri’s “Even This Will Pass”, hand-embroidered, blurred black-and-white portraits convey the perilous journeys of Eritrean refugees to the United Kingdom, giving a voice to those affected by human trafficking and the global migration crisis, while visually protecting their identities.

On display are works by Hoda Afshar, Diane Arbus, Sibylle Bergemann, Samuel Fosso, Marvel Harris, Evelyn Hofer, Lebohang Kganye, Dana Lixenberg, Daniel Jack Lyons, Vivian Maier, Sandra Mann, Sabelo Mlangeni, Anja Niedringhaus, Gabriele and Helmut Nothhelfer, Anders Petersen, Regine Petersen, Wilhelm Schürmann, Jamel Shabazz, Aida Silvestri, Christine Spengler, Vanessa Winship and Tom Wood.

As part of the ‘Face to Face’ presentation, the director of the foundation and curator of the collection, Anne-Marie Beckmann, and artists Hoda Afshar and Aida Silvestri will talk about the exhibited works and the power of portrait photography on 13 November 2025 at 2 p.m. at booth P 04. The event will be held in English; registration is not required. Tickets for the fair are available here.