About
Michel Kekulé was born in Fulda in 1991, grew up in both Hessian and Thuringian regions throughout his entire childhood and youth, and currently lives in Berlin.
Kekulé's focus lies on documentary photography and the exploration of socio-political issues. His works are characterized by an intense engagement with societal questions and provide insights into various life worlds. His core themes include migration and the examination of East Germany, often including perspectives that make social inequalities visible.
In addition to participating in artist residencies and winning photographic awards, he has been able to showcase his works in group and solo exhibitions and publish them in the international press. Since 2021, he has been studying, among others, under Lia Darjes and Tobias Kruse at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie. He is in the graduating class from Ina Schoenenburg.
In the fall of 2023, Kekulé founded the Re:Borders collective, funded by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Germany, Stiftung Kulturwerk and many others. This curatorial collective aims to blur the boundaries between visual art, political activism, transmedia happenings and campaigns. The exhibition "Re:Borders - An Indictment" marked the collective’s debut, followed by the Solidarity Letter campaign in collaboration with Sea-Watch e.V. and Seebrücke.
In November 2023, together with Björn Kuhligk, Kekulé initiated "Schriftsteller:innen und Fotograf:innen gegen Antisemitismus" at the Volksbühne Berlin, with Nobel Prize-winning author Elfriede Jelinek and many others taking part.
In 2024, he produced and directed a short film based on the theater adaptation of Hendrik Bolz's book Nullerjahre, staged by Kajetan Skurski at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden. At the same time, he worked as the Art Director responsible for the production's public relations.
Kekulé originally trained as an emergency paramedic in preparation for studying medicine and has worked clinically and preclinically in this profession for over 10 years.
Clients, Collaborations & Publications
Sea-Watch e.V, Seebrücke, Rosa-Luxemburg-Foundation, Volksbühne Berlin, TAZ, Der Freitag, Schirn Mag, Kubaparis, Nun Mag, Staatsschauspiel Dresden, Schillertage Mannheim, Kunsthalle Gießen, Daily Mirror, L'Essenziale, Berliner Zeitung, Der Greif uvm.
Grants & Awards
Artist Fellowship Nomos Glashuette 2023
Nikon Fotobus Grant, Shorlist for ‘Mutterland’, 2023
The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant, Longlist for ‘50_15’, 2023
Project funding "Re:Borders", Rosa-Luxemburg-Foundation Germany 2023/2024
Stiftung Kulturwerk - VG Bildkunst Grant for “Re:Borders”, 2024
Participant, Der Greif - Guest Room: by Boaz Levin and Sophia Greiff (co-heads of programming at C/O Berlin), 2024
BFF Förderpreis 2nd place for "Mutterland", 2024
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions:
2022, Tage der Perseiden, Nomosforum Glashütte, GER
2023, 50_15 - Monat der Fotografie Off, Atelier für Photographie Berlin, GER
Group Exhibitions:
2023, Mutterland - "Salon zur Katz – 1. Prozess“, Turm Zur Katz Konstanz, GER
2023, Mutterland - "East from Where", Studio Hannibal Berlin, GER
2023, "Schriftsteller:innen und Fotograf:innen gegen Antisemitismus", Volksbühne Berlin, GER
2024, 50_15 - "’RE:BORDERS - An indictment’’, Kunstquartier Bethanien Berlin, GER
2024, Mutterland - "Signals", Kunsthalle Neuwerk, Konstanz, GER
2024, Mutterland - "BFF-Förderpreis", Fotofestival "Horzionte Zingst", Zingst, GER
Press & Events
Contact
michelkekule@gmail.com / +491707365844
