In his latest exhibition project "Austria," photographer Peter Granser captures socio-cultural phenomena of his native Alpine country. Gruner + Jahr presents these pictorial portraits at Galerie 11 in the Baumwall Pressehaus starting Aug 6. The exhibition shows typically Austrian clichés pictures of mountains, hunters and traditional costumes but also reflects the perspective that Austrians like to take on themselves. Peter Granser´s fine irony strips the layers of their superficial view and often gives a ludicrous, merry look to everyday motifs.

"The ´Austria´ cycle picks up on the fine line between the absurd and the everyday. Surrounded by mountains, ethnic costumes and cows of the Alpine republic, the viewer suddenly discovers plastic landscapes, overcrowded bus parking lots and tacky souvenir shops. The myth of a supposedly primeval landscape and culture is dis-enchanted and results in the rather involuntary deconstruction of a cherished Illusion," says Granser.

Peter Granser has published several highly acclaimed photo reports since 1995. In 2001, he achieved breakthrough with his "Sun City" exhibition at Gruner + Jahr. His accolades include the Arles Discovery Awards (2002), World Press Photo Awards (2002) and most recently, the Oskar Barnack Award (2004). Granser lives and works in Stuttgart as a photojournalist and artist.

"Galerie 11" was set up six years ago as a project to encourage young talents in photography by giving them a platform for presenting and communicating their work.

"Austria"
photographs von Peter Granser
in the Galerie 11
at the Gruner + Jahr Pressehaus
Am Baumwall 11, D-20459 Hamburg

Exhibition dates: Aug 6 Sep 21, 2004

Opening hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m. and by appointment

For further information:

Ulrike Klug / Katrin Schramm
Gruner + Jahr AG & Co KG
Public + Business Relations
Am Baumwall 11
D-20459 Hamburg
Phone: ++49.40.40.3703-3260 / - 3882
Fax: ++49.40.40.3703-5688
E-Mail: Klug.Ulrike@guj.de / Schramm.Katrin@guj.de