Christoph Kniel Knihy

Christoph Kniel and Ilja Mess portray young adults in three cities - in Russia, Turkey and Morocco. In deliberately unspectacular yet intense photographs, they get closer to their subjects, creating a many-layered picture of their lives and juxtaposing it with scenes of the urban environment. We get a sense of how surroundings are capable of shaping people's lives, slowing them down or inspiring them to move forward. Just like social structures, religion, or role models - as well as the district these young people live in, their street and their friends. The questions Christoph Kniel and Ilja Mess pose in short interviews are designed to uncover the hopes cherished by this younger generation and the opportunities available for fulfilling them. Love Peace Hope exists everywhere. It is not tied to a specific place. 0Exhibition: joseffson Galerie, Essen, Germany (13.-14.7.2013).