Analog Trends in Digital Times

“:insight 2026” – The German Instant Photography Scene Presents Itself in Berlin

While AI is flooding the world of photography, instant photography is defending its niche in art: unique, handcrafted works. This year’s members’ exhibition of the Deutsche Sofortbild Kunst (German Instant Photography Association) showcases current trends in Berlin from January 30 to March 13, 2026. At the Fotogalerie Friedrichshain, 24 artists from across Germany will present their latest works. The “insight” exhibition thus offers an insight into contemporary instant photography in Germany. The creative and artistic approaches are diverse, ranging from classic landscape, portrait, and nude photography to mechanical manipulation and chemical alteration of the film. This year’s exhibition is a collaboration between the Friedrichshain Photo Gallery and the German Instant Photography Association (Deutsche Sofortbild Kunst e.V.).

“The analog medium still works classically with the drawing of light on the object-like material of the instant photograph. It utilizes not only the laws of optics, but also those of slowness and mindfulness,” says Enrique Freaza Viera from the organizing team of the German Instant Photography Association in Berlin. “At the same time, the artistic range of the medium is surprising.” The works on display go far beyond mere photography and thus differ significantly from digital photography. “Instant photography teaches us to be more patient and to look at the world more consciously,” emphasizes Sabine Skodda, chairwoman of the German Instant Photography Association. While digital images allow for precise capture, rapid collection, and instant retrieval, instant photography is a lesson in accepting imperfection. Instant photography does not aim for flawlessness and precision.

“Its strength lies in the translation of emotions and the creation of moments of surprise that are like small miracles,”

the artist explains. Instant photography is both temporal and physical. “These unique pieces thus stand in stark contrast to the virtual flood of images in our time.”

With works by:
Anna Borek, Ina Echternach, Felix Flügel, Urizen Freaza, Laura Heda, HeidiF., Caroline Immendorfer, jVoto, Sabine Kranich-V., Kirsten Mengewein, Daniela Müntinga, noition, Erin O’Leary, Mariela Palmeri, Ezra Petry, Sandra Ronca, Christiane Schatz, Stefan Schweers, Sabine Skodda, Anke Stein, Kyriakos Tarassidis, The Unknown Artist, Mario Wyrwinski, Grit Dora von Zeschau

The exhibition at the Friedrichshain Photo Gallery is complemented by a framework program.

Fotogalerie Friedrichshain

The Fotogalerie Friedrichshain is Berlin’s oldest municipal photo gallery. Founded in 1985, it was the first gallery in East Germany dedicated exclusively to photography. Since 2002, it has been operated by the Kulturring in Berlin e.V. (Cultural Association of Berlin). The gallery focuses on socially documentary and politically engaged photography. Solo exhibitions by established photographers alternate with those of talented emerging photographers and group exhibitions on specific themes.

Deutsche Sofortbild Kunst e. V.

The Deutsche Sofortbild Kunst (German Instant Photography Association) is the organizer of the exhibition “:immediate,” the annual showcase of the German instant photography scene. The association’s goal is to promote instant photography in Germany, provide it with a platform, and increase its visibility. German Instant Photography Association organizes exhibitions, workshops, and courses, and enters into relevant collaborations to create spaces that highlight the diversity of this art form. The association was founded in 2024 and is active throughout Germany.

Exhibitions:

:unmittelbar 2023
1. Werkschau der Deutschen Sofortbild Kunst
Oktober 2023
Kunstbunker Bochum

:unmittelbar 2024
2. Werkschau der Deutschen Sofortbild Kunst
Oktober – November 2024
Ada-und-Theodor-Lessing-Volkshochschule Hannover

:insight 2025
1. Mitgliederausstellung der Deutschen Sofortbild Kunst
Februar – November 2025
Deutsches Kameramuseum, Plech

:unmittelbar 2025
3. Werkschau der Deutschen Sofortbild Kunst
Juni – Juli 2025 Kunstbunker Bochum

:insight 2026
2. Mitgliederausstellung der Deutschen Sofortbild Kunst
Januar – März 2026
Fotogalerie Friedrichshain, Berlin

Friday, Jan 30, 2026, 7 pm
Opening Reception
Free admission!

Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, from 2 pm
Photowalk

Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, 2 – 6 pm
Polaroid Transparency Workshop with Erin O’Leary (en/de)
Fee: 65 € / reduced 45 €.
Registration

Friday, Mar 13, 2026, 4 – 7 pm
Hands-on Activity (Mitmach-Aktion)
The artists demonstrace mechanical manipulation and chemical film alteration techniques. Followed by the finissage.