IMAGO Photour Camera world premiere in De Rotterdam

Unique camera produces life-sized self-portraits within 30 minutes

The camera on display in the main hall in De Rotterdam is a mobile version of the original IMAGO Camera. After the exhibition in Rotterdam this mobile version will travel the world, making stops at fairs, exhibitions and events.

Origin

The IMAGO Camera is the brainchild of Berlin native Werner Kraus. In 1970, Daimler-Benz commissioned Kraus to photograph the burning in the ‘Wankel’ engine. To do so, he invented a special lens for life size photography that could make one-on-one images and enlisted the help of visual artist Erhard Hößle to build the IMAGO Camera. Werner’s daughter, actress Susanna Kraus, rediscovered the camera in 2006 and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind project combining science, art, craftsmanship and self-awareness. Jakob Kraus, boat builder and son of Susanna Kraus, then constructed the mobile camera, inspired on the original design of the 70’s. Weighing 350 kilograms, the camera consists of separate parts and can be assembled and dismantled within a day.

Susanna Kraus, CEO and art director IMAGO Camera: “The particular size of the IMAGO Camera makes it possible for the guests to step inside its powerful body and take a self-portrait in complete isolation. Without the participation of others. Without distractions from the outside. The focus on the moment of the self-timer is like a journey of finding oneself. This is also where the camera surprises most users with a mirror image of themselves – non-reversed. This exceptional experience is finally available in this transportable, mobile version. Because pictures mobilize the world. Besides its function as a self-portrait camera, the IMAGO Camera is also being used by artists, such as Nick Cave, Robert Wilson, Eva Mattes, Jonathan Meese and Ernst Fuchs, actors, directors, designers and musicians. Even companies use it as their main piece at events to help sharpen the brand’s image this way.”

Best Tall Building in Europe

From the moment it was completed in late November 2013, De Rotterdam, a joint development of OVG Real Estate and MAB Development, has attracted a great deal of attention both nationally and internationally. Recently, De Rotterdam won another prestigious prize, namely the ‘Best Tall Building in Europe’, awarded by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. It has also been nominated for the category ‘Best Tall Building in the World’.