Iconic Album Art Exhibition by HIPGNOSIS in Germany in 2023 and 2024
Berlin 2023: In a significant cultural event for music and art enthusiasts, the renowned Browse Gallery in Berlin is currently exhibiting an exclusive exhibition titled “HIPGNOSIS: The Dark Side of the Moon and other album cover art.” It opened on November 4, 2023, and running until December 17, 2023, this exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s seminal album “The Dark Side of the Moon.” It showcases the ground breaking work of HIPGNOSIS, the British photo design studio founded by Aubrey Powell and Storm Thorgerson, known for crafting some of the most iconic album covers in music history.
The Exhibition’s Significance
The exhibition is a tribute not just to Pink Floyd but also to the artistic genius of HIPGNOSIS, which designed more than 400 album covers for various international bands and musicians from 1967 to 1984. These covers, many of which have attained cult status, highlight the studio’s unique approach to album art, combining surrealism, innovative photography, and a knack for capturing the essence of the music they represent.
Diverse Artistic Display
Visitors to the Browse Gallery will be treated to a diverse array of artworks. This includes large-format limited edition prints of famous album covers, original designs, and a special photo installation exploring the themes of “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at HIPGNOSIS’ portfolio, featuring works for other renowned bands like Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and 10cc.
Moving to Ludwiggalerie in 2024
In 2024, the exhibition will move to Ludwiggalerie, expanding its scope under the title “HIPGNOSIS.BREATHE.” This part of the exhibition will delve deeper into the studio’s expansive body of work, showcasing a wider range of their influential designs.
Ludwiggalerie is located in Schloss Oberhausen, Germany. It’s a well-known art gallery that hosts various exhibitions, including those related to contemporary art, photography, and historical themes. The gallery is situated in the Oberhausen Castle (Schloss Oberhausen), which adds a historical and architectural charm to the experience of visiting the gallery.
Innovative Approach to Album Art
HIPGNOSIS revolutionized album cover design by often avoiding traditional band portraits and instead drawing inspiration from surrealist art. Their creative approach is evident in the Polaroid experiments and associations with album titles that led to many of their iconic covers.
Special Features and Curators
The exhibition is curated by HIPGNOSIS co-founder Aubrey Powell and John Colton of the Browse Gallery. It also features a new documentary film “Eclipse” by Powell, celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Dark Side of the Moon,” and a unique soundwalk experience, enhancing the visual journey with the music that inspired the designs.
This exhibition at Browse Gallery, followed by its showcase at Ludwiggalerie, offers a rare glimpse into the creative world of HIPGNOSIS and its significant impact on the visual culture of music. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the art that shaped the visual identity of some of the most influential music of the 20th century.
