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Walter Peterhans: A Pioneer of New Vision Photography

Walter Peterhans (June 12, 1897 – April 12, 1960) was a German photographer and influential educator, best remembered for his contributions to the Neues Sehen (New Vision) movement and his pivotal role in shaping photography education at institutions like the Bauhaus and the Ulm School of Design.

Early Life and Education

Born in Elsheim, Germany, Peterhans’ early life remains relatively undocumented. However, his subsequent career demonstrates a keen intellectual curiosity and a dedication to exploring the potential of visual media beyond mere representation.

The Bauhaus Years (1929-1933)

Peterhans' most significant period began in 1929 when he assumed the position of photography teacher and course leader at the renowned Bauhaus school. This appointment marked a turning point, allowing him to develop his pedagogical approach and champion the principles of Neues Sehen. He didn’t simply teach photographic technique; instead, he integrated philosophical concepts – drawing from thinkers like Kant, Plato, and Pythagoras – to demonstrate how beauty is constructed in perception and can be deliberately created within artistic works. His teaching aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of visual principles rather than just technical skills.

Neues Sehen and Artistic Style

As a proponent of Neues Sehen, Peterhans moved away from traditional pictorialism, embracing experimentation with close-up perspectives, unconventional angles, dramatic lighting, and the depiction of everyday objects. His photographs often featured stark contrasts, fragmented compositions, and an emphasis on texture and form. This style reflected a broader modernist aesthetic that sought to capture the dynamism and complexities of the modern world.

Emigration to the United States & IIT

With the rise of Nazism and the closure of the Bauhaus in 1933, Peterhans faced increasing political pressure. He eventually emigrated to Chicago in 1938, accepting a position at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) under the direction of Mies van der Rohe. At IIT, he developed a highly successful ‘visual training’ course for architecture students – a ten-unit program spanning four semesters that continued to be influential long after his departure.

Ulm School of Design and Later Life

In 1953, Peterhans returned to Germany as part of the founding faculty of the Ulm School of Design (Hochschule für Gestaltung), a highly influential design school that prioritized functionalism and systematic problem-solving. He continued to teach and refine his pedagogical methods until his untimely death in 1960 from a heart attack at his in-laws’ home in Stetten im Remstal, near Stuttgart.

Personal Life

Peterhans was briefly married to American architect Gertrude Lempp Kerbis before marrying Brigitte Schlaich, also an architect, in 1957.

Legacy and Historical Significance

• Pioneering Photography Education: Peterhans’ innovative teaching methods profoundly impacted photography education, emphasizing conceptual understanding alongside technical proficiency.
• Influence on Design Thinking: His ‘visual training’ course at IIT became a model for integrating visual principles into architectural design curricula.
• Champion of Modernism: As a key figure in the Neues Sehen movement, he helped shape the development of modern photography and its exploration of new aesthetic possibilities.

The copyright for Walter Peterhans’ work is currently held by Museum Folkwang in Essen, Germany, ensuring his legacy continues to be preserved and appreciated.