Exhibition
In the Rhythm of Light and Shadow
Fotodepot, SpallArt collection, Salzburg
March 7 to October 3, 2026
Since the early 1970s, Fritz Simak (born 1955 in Vienna) has been one of the most distinctive figures in conceptual photography in Austria. The starting point for his work is not the subject, but the photographic material itself: light, shadow, time, movement, and their structure within the image. Through serial work and the precise arrangement of individual shots, he creates sequences of images that can be read like visual scores. They do not tell stories, but rather reorder perception and reveal what remains hidden in a fleeting glance.
Simak is a musician, photographer, art historian, and collector. His approach is shaped by music and rhythm – experiences from his time as a Vienna Boys’ Choir member, trumpeter, and jazz musician continue to resonate today. His series unfold motifs step by step in space and time. Minimal shifts, altered viewpoints, or lighting conditions transform everyday objects and situations into independent visual events. His sequences and contact sheet tableaux were created long before conceptual photography gained wider attention in Austria. His works are now held in major public and private collections, including the Albertina, mumok, and the Museum der Moderne Salzburg – more than 80 works are represented in the SpallArt Collection.
Simak’s works exemplify a form of photography that not only depicts reality but also enables a new experience of seeing through light and shadow, rhythm, and structure. In his newly published book Photographs in the Key of Life, he showcases his extensive body of work while simultaneously conveying his profound knowledge of the art of photography.
For the SpallArt Collection, Fritz Simak is not only a defining artist but also an important driving force. In the early days of the collection, he played a decisive role in shaping its curatorial direction as curator. From 2009 to 2011, the Simak and SpallArt collections collaborated under the name “Sputnik,” organizing exhibitions and publishing two books.
Fritz Simak, Photographs In The Key Of Life. Fotohof >Edition, 2025
availeable im Fotodepot der Sammlung SpallArt oder zu bestellen bei Fotohof >Edition