Progress, freedoms, conventions, and crises: never before have so many people inhabited the Earth at the same time. In modern societies, our lives together are denser, more diverse, and more fast-paced than ever. Despite our different ways of living, there are defining events, inventions, and shared experiences that connect us—whether consciously or unconsciously. The exhibition Civilization captures both similarities and differences through striking photographic works. Seen through the perspectives of around 100 internationally renowned photographers such as Thomas Struth, it presents a multilayered view of contemporary societies and cultures, strongly shaped by Western civilization. A selection of artistic and documentary images highlights both achievements and the darker sides of life today, shedding light on its defining aspects. Themes such as family, leisure, work, and consumption are set alongside issues like alienation, crime, environmental destruction, social fragmentation, and war. A notable presence within the exhibition is Thomas Struth's work "Pergamon Museum 1", which reflects on the relationship between people, cultural spaces, and history.
THOMAS STRUTH
Civilization – Our Life in Focus, Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich, CH
13 March 2026 – 19 July 2026
