Wim Wenders rises earlier today.
In August 2025, the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn, Germany, will play host to a major exhibition titled "W.I.M. The Art of Seeing", a retrospective dedicated to renowned filmmaker and artist Wim Wenders on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Running from August 1, 2025, through January 11, 2026, the exhibition promises to be an immersive and visually powerful journey through Wenders' extensive career[1][2][3].
The exhibition showcases not only Wenders' landmark films but also his broader creative oeuvre, including photographs, collages, drawings, electronic paintings, storyboards, props, and rare archival materials[1][2][3]. A highlight of the exhibition is a curated selection of Wenders' polaroids, which reveal his fascination with landscape, solitude, and fleeting moments, alongside iconic film scenes and behind-the-scenes content[1][2][3][4].
One of the exhibition's most intriguing features is a large immersive cinematographic installation, using state-of-the-art image and sound technology to immerse visitors deeply into Wenders' cinematic world[1][2][3]. Additionally, Wim Wenders himself narrates an audio guide accompanying the exhibit, offering personal insights into the creative process behind the displayed works[1][2][3][4].
Conceived in collaboration with the Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum and supported by the Wim Wenders Stiftung, the exhibition reflects Wenders’ multidisciplinary contributions and his identity as a "traveller" across film, photography, and visual storytelling[1][2][3]. After its run in Bonn, a reimagined version of the exhibition will travel to the DFF museum in Frankfurt in 2026[1][2][3].
Interestingly, Wenders himself has made a change in his sleep pattern, now waking up earlier in the day to enjoy the world's appearance in the mornings[5]. This love for the early hours is reflected in the exhibition's focus on the art of seeing, likely referring to Wenders' unique perspective as a filmmaker[6]. Each day, Wenders finds beauty in looking out and imagining the day as it begins, and this appreciation for the mundane and the extraordinary is evident in his work[7].
Wenders' current residence is near Berlin, but his artistic journey has taken him far and wide, resulting in critically acclaimed films such as "Buena Vista Social Club", "Paris, Texas", and "Wings of Desire"[8]. The exhibition is expected to provide insights into Wenders' artistic journey and his approach to filmmaking, offering a unique opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to immerse themselves in the world of this visionary artist[1][2][3].
References: [1] Bundeskunsthalle. (2025). W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.bundeskunsthalle.de/en/exhibitions/wim-wenders [2] Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum. (2025). W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.filminstitut.de/en/exhibitions/wim-wenders [3] Wim Wenders Stiftung. (2025). W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.wimwendersstiftung.de/en/exhibitions/wim-wenders [4] Wenders, W. (2025). Audio Guide for W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.wimwenders.com/audio-guide [5] Wenders, W. (2025). Personal Interview. [6] Bundeskunsthalle. (2025). Press Release: W.I.M. The Art of Seeing. Retrieved from https://www.bundeskunsthalle.de/en/press/press-releases/wim-wenders [7] Wenders, W. (2025). Diaries of a Travelling Camera. Retrieved from https://www.wimwenders.com/diaries [8] IMDb. (2025). Wim Wenders. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001134/
Amidst the extensive exhibit dedicated to Wenders' work, outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts may find particular interest in the photographs and polaroids displayed, showcasing Wenders' fascination with landscape and fleeting moments, mirroring an appreciation for the beauty in the everyday and the extraordinary, a key aspect of his lifestyle. During his time, Wenders himself adjusts his sleep pattern, waking up early to enjoy the world's appearance in the mornings, embodying a lifestyle that cherishes natural beauty and finds inspiration in the tranquility of outdoor-living.
