Stefan Uhlig, a 65-year-old photographer, opened his first solo exhibition titled 'Faces' at the foyer gallery of the Dominican Monastery in Prenzlau on Tuesday evening. The exhibition focuses entirely on portrait photography, with Uhlig describing each portrait as much more than just an image – calling it 'an encounter.' The show will run until February 22, 2026, and features a diverse collection of photographs spanning the past ten years.
During his opening speech, Uhlig explained his fascination with capturing human faces, stating that 'The face of a person is unique. It tells stories, expresses individual personality through expression, and is full of emotions. I want to invite viewers to look more closely, to read between the lines, and to discover the person behind the image.' The exhibition showcases a wide range of photographic styles, from black and white to sepia tones and vibrant color compositions, all designed to encourage visitors to linger and connect with the subjects.
Uhlig's journey into photography began in childhood in the Ore Mountains region, where he was born before becoming an adopted resident of Uckermark. He deepened his photographic skills as a young man in the company photo club of the former AWP in Prenzlau. Since then, his passion for photography has remained an important and integral part of his life. He has been leading the Prenzlau Photo Club since 1990, and naturally, club members attended the exhibition opening to support their longtime leader.
Among the guests were companions from the Prenzlau Historical Spectacle, who celebrated Uhlig's participation in their events. Gudrun Schlanert, whose portrait is featured in the exhibition and was taken approximately 15 years ago, praised the photographer as a pleasant contemporary. 'We've known each other for over 20 years. When Stefan sets his mind to something, he pursues it with determination and great dedication. I'm thrilled about this solo exhibition – I see pictures of people that I've never seen in this way before. Very versatile personalities, I like it very much,' said Schlanert, who serves as the chairwoman of the Prenzlau Senior Advisory Board.
Dr. Katrin Frey from the Dominican Monastery expressed appreciation for the collaboration and highlighted the close, long-standing partnership with the photo club. 'It's wonderful to see that such a large audience came to tonight's opening. That speaks to your popularity, Stefan. We also look back on positive cooperation. Your uncomplicated nature is very pleasant, and we're delighted that you're opening your first solo exhibition with us today,' Frey remarked during the ceremony.
Visibly proud of his achievement, Uhlig invited the attending guests to enjoy a glass of champagne and took time to answer questions about his work and artistic approach. Many viewers were particularly moved by the opportunity to look deeply into the eyes of the subjects, creating an intimate connection between the observer and the photographed individuals. The diversity of images, representing a spectrum of work from the past decade, encouraged prolonged contemplation and engagement.
The exhibition remains open for viewing from Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., until February 22, 2026. Visitors have described it as a wonderful opportunity to experience portraits as encounters and to sharpen their perspective on looking beyond faces to discover the stories and personalities beneath the surface.
