Helmut Giersiefen

In 50 Years Later, Helmut Giersiefen reexamines the discursive legacy of the Olympic Games held in Munich in the late summer of 1972. Munich, a city still echoing the spirit of joy and camaraderie that was the intended esprit de corps of those games, serves as a backdrop for exploring their historical significance.

What endures in this series of photographs are the present-day remnants of 1972 in Munich and Kiel.

More than the bold architectural landmarks that emerged from the event, enduring memories of athletic achievement are juxtaposed with poignant reminders of the tragic events that led to the deaths of eleven Israeli athletes at the hands of a Palestinian militant group, Black September.

Employing a meticulous analog technique known as image transfer, Giersiefen imbues his photographs with a sense of nostalgia and impermanence. Through this process, he seeks to evoke memories of the past while highlighting the enduring presence of the 1972 Olympics’ legacy.

From ongoing debates over memorials to the controversial stance of the International Olympic Committee regarding political remembrance, viewers are urged to reflect on the complexities of history and memory. Unlike many other Games, the significance of 1972 continues to reverberate, making it a subject still ripe for exploration.

50 Years Later looks beyond merely documenting physical remnants, provoking contemplation of the evolving narratives and discourse regarding these Games.

50 Years Later

What endures in this series of photographs are the present-day remnants of 1972 in Munich and Kiel.

Poveglia