MS Atlantic by Heinrich Heidersberger - images by the on-board photographer and snapshots of early Cuba

The journey begins in New York. Photographer Heinrich Heidersberger has apparently fallen for the impressive skyscrapers, which become almost tangible in his black & white photographs that aim to capture the unbelievable heights from the ground floor up. The following colour slides show an illustrious cruise ship fellowship, spending their time swimming, sunbathing on deck and playing board games.

Apart from imposing pictures of the gigantic lines, Heidersberger's focus lies on the people, whom he portrays in the context of travelling rituals, special festivities or just as portraits. The motifs were created in 1954, during his time as an on-board photographer.

On land, his photography was dedicated to Cuban everyday life and his camera captured the street life. Flower sellers lingering on the curbs, working class men, but also affluent characters in bars and cafés, mostly tourists or even a parade of costumed women on cars that drive by. All of these make up the image of 1950s Cuba.

Heinrich Heidersberger's photographs are contemporary documents. Taken just before the advent of the Communist revolution, they present Cuba as an attractive holiday destination for well-off American tourists. Since the early 1960s, not a single American cruise ship has embarked on the journey from the USA to Cuba.


MS Atlantic von Heinrich Heidersberger
Petra Rietz Salon Galerie
18 January until 24 March 2012
Opening Night: Wednesday, 18th of January 2012, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Koppenplatz 11a, 10115 Berlin
www.petrarietz.com | www.heidersberger.de
Wed – Sat: 2:00 - 6.30pm or by appointment