The IKS was founded in 2009 by Ralph Goertz and today it contains the largest private media archive in Europe with almost 450 documented artists* and 94 documentary films. In 2022, the IKS was expanded to include its own photo institute, the non-profit recognized IKS PHOTO gUG (non-profit).
The aim of the IKS PHOTO gUG is to promote, preserve and convey the medium of photography thru exhibitions and publications.
In addition to retrospective exhibitions of the work of important photographers, thematic group exhibitions will be developed and presented as “touring exhibitions” by European partner institutions. In close cooperation with the exhibiting institutions, the exhibitions will be adapted and expanded to meet individual and local needs. The work of IKS PHOTO gUG focuses on artistic and art historical significance as well as social and societal relevance.
By building up its own photo collection, significant works of photography are to be purchased, preserved, archived and presented in exhibitions. All collection works shall be digitalized and made accessible online.
The works of the IKS Collection form a content-related foundation for the development of own exhibition concepts and represent the attitude of the IKS PHOTO towards the medium but also towards the socio-social obligation.
A practical as well as scientific discourse on the medium of photography is to be conducted in conferences and workshops. The establishment of an international network with institutions within the European Union is planned. In addition to the mediation and further development of the medium of photography, an artistic and cultural dialogue is to be stimulated and made possible on an international level.
IKS PHOTO gUG is to develop into a centre for European photography.
2022 - Image and Space. CANDIDA HÖFER in dialogue with the collection of the Kunstbibliothek Berlin, Museum for Photography Berlin
2020/21 - Zusammenleben. John Myers - Ute Mahler - Joachim Brohm, Kunsthalle Darmstadt
2020 - SUBJECT and OBJECT. PHOTO RHINE RUHR, Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
2019 - MARTIN PARR RETROSPECTIVE, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
2019 - TWO RIVERS. ALEC SOTH / JOACHIM BROHM, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
2017/18 - AXEL HÜTTE. Night and Day, Kunstpalast Düsseldorf
2017 - Women on Street. PETER LINDBERGH / GARRY WINOGRAND, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
2014/15 - JOEL MEYEROWITZ RETROSPECTIVE, NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
