SHAPES OF CONNECTION - Fotografie Ausstellung

In the organizer's words:

(English below)

The photo exhibition SHAPES OF CONNECTION by Paula Schür shows impressive portraits of urban and contemporary dancers that capture emotions and stories and make the power as well as the vulnerability of movement visible. The focus is on the connection - between dance and photography, body and space, artist and viewer.

The photographs were presented for the first time as part of the event of the same name and can be seen until May 6, 2026 at Hempies Café in the machwerkhaus during regular opening hours. The exhibition also invites interaction: On a large magnetic wall you will find questions about dance, community and connection, which you can add your own thoughts and ideas to. Come by and enjoy delicious vegan snacks from Hempies and good coffee in a relaxed, bright atmosphere. If the sun is shining, you can sit outside - co-working is always welcome.

A big thank you goes to machwerkhaus köln for making the exhibition in the Hempies Café possible and thus creating visibility for Cologne's young dance and art scene.

THE PROJECT
Dance is movement, encounter and expression. It reveals what moves people - both internally and externally. Movement creates a space in which energy, emotions and presence come together. Dance can calm, drive or liberate - it creates a connection to oneself and to others.

Freestyle (improvised dance) in particular invites this connection. It allows body and mind to align and transform stories, emotions and sensations into movement. It speaks a truth for which there may not yet be words.

The same dialog unfolds in SHAPES OF CONNECTION. Each photo shoot becomes a space in which dancers can reflect, move and express themselves freely through their freestyle. The camera becomes a silent observer, a moving eye. The photo becomes a trace of their movements and emotions - and at the same time a bridge between dancer and viewer, between expression and perception. In this exchange, the viewer can perhaps rediscover something of themselves. The image expresses what has not yet been said out loud. And Freestyle does the same.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Schür (she/-) is a German photographer living in Cologne. As a dancer, she has a deep understanding of movement, expression and body awareness, which significantly shapes her work. She specializes in portrait photography with a focus on dance and performative arts. Her sensitive eye searches for honesty, depth and passion, creating a sense of connection and belonging.

More info about the photographer:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/paula.schuer
Website: https://paulaschuer.wixsite.com/paulaschuer

ENGLISH

The photo exhibition SHAPES OF CONNECTION by Paula Schür presents striking portraits of urban and contemporary dancers that capture emotions and stories, revealing both the strength and vulnerability of movement. At its core, the exhibition explores connection - between dance and photography, body and space, artist and viewer.

The photographs were first presented as part of the event of the same name and can now be seen until May 6, 2026, at Hempies Café in the machwerkhaus, during regular opening hours. The exhibition also invites visitors to interact: on a large magnetic wall, you'll find questions about dance, community, and connection, which you're invited to respond to and expand with your own thoughts and ideas. Drop by, enjoy Hempies' delicious vegan snacks and great coffee in a bright and relaxed atmosphere. On sunny days you can sit outside - co-working is always welcome.

A big thank you goes out to machwerkhaus köln, whose support has made this exhibition at Hempies Café possible, giving greater visibility to Cologne's young dance and art scene.

THE PROJECT
Dance is movement, encounter, and expression. It reveals what moves people - both inside and out. In motion, a space emerges where energy, emotion, and presence come together. Dance can calm, energize, or liberate - it creates a connection to oneself and to others. Especially freestyle - improvisational dance - invites this connection. It allows body and mind to align, transforming stories, emotions, and sensations into movement. It speaks a truth for which there may not yet be words.

This same dialog unfolds in SHAPES OF CONNECTION. Each photoshoot becomes a space for dancers to reflect, to move, and to express themselves freely through their freestyle. The camera turns into a silent observer, a moving eye. The photograph becomes a trace of their movements and emotions - and at the same time, a bridge between dancer and viewer, between expression and perception. Within this exchange, the viewer might rediscover something of themselves. The image speaks what hasn't yet been said aloud. And so does freestyle.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Schür (she/-) is a German photographer based in Cologne. As a dancer, she has a deep understanding of movement, expression, and body awareness that strongly shapes her work. Her focus lies in portrait photography, especially in the fields of dance and the performing arts. With a sensitive eye for honesty, depth, and passion, she creates images that evoke a sense of connection and belonging.

Further information about the photographer:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/paula.schuer
Website: https://paulaschuer.wixsite.com/paulaschuer