A unique photography exhibition showcasing the "Children of Albstadt" has drawn packed crowds to the Technology Workshop in Tailfingen, featuring extraordinary black-and-white portraits that celebrate the city's 50th anniversary. The exhibition, organized by Tal-Gang-Art, presents 40 adults born in 1975 – the same year nine towns and communities merged to form Albstadt during municipal reform.
Photographer Gabriele Hepp, originally from Cologne but a resident of the Swabian Alb for 25 years, captured these remarkable portraits with her trained and precise eye. Known for her calm and sympathetic approach to special projects, Hepp photographed the subjects in various settings – working high above the city rooftops, hiking and biking in nature, with their dogs, or on sports fields. The 50-year-old participants, representing their generation as living symbols of the city, come from districts including Tailfingen, Lautlingen, and Ebingen.
The subjects embody deep connections to their beloved hometown on the Zollernalb plateau, pursuing engaging hobbies that link them to the city and its countless associations. Many serve as patrons for successful family businesses, traditional craft companies, and agricultural enterprises. Hepp has created a photographic monument to all of them, capturing their diverse roles in the community with remarkable authenticity.
The exhibition opening on Friday created an atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy class reunion or joyful anniversary celebration. The long, light-filled corridors and foyer of the Technology Workshop could barely contain the many visitors, who included not only the portrayed individuals but also their partners, parents, children, friends, classmates, and art enthusiasts from throughout the city. The emotional gathering saw people embracing with great enthusiasm, clearly indicating that some hadn't seen each other for decades.
Each portrait is accompanied by a compelling biography and a childhood photograph – boys in proper shirts, Sunday pants, and neat bangs, or girls in blouses with carefully braided pigtails. City Councilman Lambert Maute, speaking for the absent Mayor Roland Tralmer, noted with a subtle smile that these childhood photos were included for recognition purposes. Beaming with pride, Maute declared that the exhibition had struck exactly the right chord with this piece of city history.
Anette Ganter, representing the board, welcomed guests and vividly described the intensive work behind this city-funded cultural project. Tal-Gang-Art members had developed Susanne Goebel's original idea and conducted interviews with all 40 portrayed individuals. Ganter enthusiastically praised the exhibition's palpable authenticity and emotional depth, sentiments clearly shared by the visitors who witnessed this comprehensive documentation of an entire generation.
The association, guests unanimously agreed, had created a vivid and detailed representation of the city's social life, documenting community living in all its districts and facets. Gabriele Hepp, responsible for the artistic conception, spared neither effort nor expense in bringing the project to fruition, Ganter reported with fascination. The photographer's specialization in pointed, sensitive portraits and her fine instinct for capturing human essence were evident throughout the exhibition.
Hepp, deeply moved by the warm praise, thanked the adult children for one essential element – their trust. Known for her keen sensitivity, she explained her approach simply: "I need to feel connected to the people in front of my camera." This personal standard was clearly achieved in Tailfingen, as she not only made visible the faces of Albstadt's former children but also revealed their life paths and personal stories.
The exhibition at the Technology Workshop remains open through Sunday, December 21st. Visitors can view the portraits Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, special Saturday hours are scheduled for December 13th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., providing extended access to this remarkable celebration of community and artistic achievement.
