Anja Niedringhaus
On the front line
Pulitzer Prize winner, press photographer, portraitist
10.05.26 to 13.09.26
The focus of the photographic work of the "image warrior" Anja Niedringhaus lies in the empathetic images she has taken in war zones and crisis areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans. On the front lines, often as the only woman, she primarily observes the human emotions of both soldiers and civilians.
Raising awareness is a central concern for her, reflected in her oft-quoted motto: "If I don't photograph it, it won't be known." Alongside the violent conflicts and their often deadly consequences, she also documents the joy of life, for example, that of children or the fashion sense of Afghan women when they buy a burqa. Her talent for telling complex stories in individual photographs is evident in all of these images.
Less well-known, but no less outstanding, are her photographs in the field of sports. Athletics and tennis are among her favorite disciplines. She has documented World Championships and Olympic Games and was present at Wimbledon for almost twenty years. Another area of her work showcases Anja Niedringhaus as a great portraitist.
On April 4, 2014, Anja Niedringhaus was assassinated while reporting from Afghanistan for the American Associated Press (AP) as an election correspondent. She left behind an extensive and multifaceted body of work, which is presented in this exhibition at the LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen, focusing on key aspects of her work through both black-and-white and vibrant color photographs.
With over 250 photographs, the exhibition traces the multifaceted work of the photographer; supplemented by personal items such as her blue helmet or her protective vest.
The exhibition is supported by the Friends of the Ludwig Gallery. WDR 3 is the cultural partner.
exhibition program
Curator-led tour of the Anja Niedringhaus exhibition with Kerrin Postert
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 15 a.m
The guided tour is free of charge in conjunction with museum admission.
The number of participants is not limited. No reservations are necessary.