Elger Esser: Morgenland

An exhibition of photographic works by German artist Elger Esser. This exhibition, his first solo show in a public institution in the United Kingdom, focuses on a new series of works, entitled “Morgenland”, created during his travels in the Eastern countries of Lebanon, Egypt and Israel from 2004 to 2015.

Shown for the first time at Parasol unit, the Morgenland (morning land) series refers to the concept of the Orient or the East. Rather than reflecting a negative stereotypical ‘Orientalism’ with its links to cultural colonialism, as discussed by Edward Said in his 1978 seminal book on the subject, Esser’s depictions of the Near East aim to convey a sense of reconciliation amidst regional differences and historical issues.