When does the exhibition take place?

The exhibition can be seen from October 8 to 24, 2026, at the Schweriner Höfen.

Where is the exhibition located?

The exhibition takes place in the fountain courtyard of Schweriner Höfe. Entry is via the tobacco courtyard at Klöresgang in 19053 Schwerin.

What are the opening hours?

The exhibition is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.

What is the admission fee?

Admission to the exhibition is free. During the special evenings on October 8 and 15, a voluntary hat donation is possible.

Are there musical special events?

Yes. On October 8, Cellectric and Ulrich Maiß will perform suites for solo cello by Johann Sebastian Bach. On October 15, improvisations for cello and electronics will be on the program.

How many artworks are on display?

The exhibition presents 18 photographs from 2019 to 2025, organized into seven thematic groups of works.

What is real? This Schwerin photo exhibition changes your view of reality

Name: Pop-up Exhibition: What We Consider Real
Start: 2026-10-08T18:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-24T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Brunnenhof der Schweriner Höfe

What is real? Matthias Radtke puts our perception to the test

The pop-up exhibition What We Consider Real transforms the fountain courtyard of Schweriner Höfe into a concentrated place for viewing works. From October 8 to 24, 2026, Schwerin photographer and architect Matthias Radtke presents 18 photographs from 2019 to 2025. At the center is the question of how we recognize reality and how images shape our trust in what we see.

Photography Between Observation and Staging

The exhibition is divided into seven groups of works: Authenticity, Trace and Material, Stage and Staging, Order and Structure, Disturbance, Transition and Atmosphere, as well as Architecture and Time. Radtke focuses on those moments when a motif tips from its obviousness. Light, surface, space, and architectural structure do not appear as mere backgrounds but as active forces of perception.

The Triptych of Authenticity

The conceptual centerpiece is the triptych Authenticity. Two photographs show real people, with a KI-generated portrait between them that combines elements of both faces. The middle image depicts a person that no one has ever seen. This group of works leads directly into a contemporary art-historical and social discourse on identity, image truth, and artificially generated reality.

The Architect's Perspective

Matthias Radtke studied architecture and was involved in public building construction for more than 25 years, including at Schwerin Castle and Berlin's BER Airport. This experience shapes his photographic language: spaces are measured while simultaneously felt atmospherically. Proportion, materiality, shadow, and light create a quiet tension that transcends the documentary image. Since 2025, Radtke has been working as a freelance artist under mats-ig.art and publishes fine art photographs in limited editions.

Exhibition Atmosphere and Special Evenings

The open courtyard of Schweriner Höfe provides an urban setting for an aesthetic experience between everyday life and art appreciation. The photographs invite a slowed-down way of seeing: colors recede, shapes gain weight, surfaces tell of use and time. On October 8 and 15, special evenings with Cellectric and Ulrich Maiß complement the exhibition. The program on October 8 features suites for solo cello by Johann Sebastian Bach, while on October 15, improvisations for cello and electronics are scheduled.

Conclusion: An Exhibition About Trust in Images

What We Consider Real connects contemporary photography, architectural thinking, and the current question about the boundary between human and artificial images. Visitors can expect an intense art experience with precise compositions, enigmatic moments, and ample space for personal interpretations. Those who wish to experience the aesthetic experience of photography firsthand and sharpen their perception should visit this free pop-up exhibition in Schwerin live.