Display of portraits featuring elderly females hailing from the German Democratic Republic, titled "The Aging Luster"

In a unique and heartwarming exhibition, renowned photographer Johannes Bichmann from Lower Saxony has put the spotlight on a group often overlooked - seniors. The traveling exhibition, titled "The Radiance of Age," is a celebration of old age and the dignity of every person.

Bichmann, a passionate photographer, felt the need for a counterbalance to his work as a fashion photographer. He found the glamour and superficiality of the fashion industry unfulfilling, and so he embarked on a journey to capture the genuine radiance of age.

The exhibition, which opened in the foyer of the Bergischer Löwe, features portraits of 60 seniors from the Caritas Meeting Centers "Treffpunkt Annahaus" and "Mittendrin" in Bergisch Gladbach. The Caritas had engaged Bichmann to photograph visitors over two days as part of an intergenerational project.

Bichmann's method is unconventional, but effective. He keeps the camera clicking while he talks and overwhelms the portraits with demands and instructions. But fear of the camera is not an issue for Bichmann, as he lets his subjects make faces and be silly in front of his lens.

One of the seniors who participated, Hilga Schütze, is pleased with the result. The portraits are described as impressive, dignified, and full of joy of life. They are a testament to the radiance of age that Bichmann sought to capture.

The exhibition is more than just a collection of portraits. It is a homage to old age and a reminder of the dignity of every person. Bichmann sees his shootings as a form of photographic therapy, breaking stereotypes and challenging preconceived notions about aging.

The funding of the meeting places by the municipality is voluntary and at risk. Due to financial reasons, the Caritas had to reduce the opening hours of the meeting places, creating a noticeable gap. The exhibition is a small step towards bridging that gap and celebrating the contributions of seniors in our society.

After three to a maximum of five minutes, Bichmann has about 100 photos in the box. Some of these photos will be part of "The Radiance of Age" exhibition, which has already been shown at the Goethe-Institut in Mumbai after October 11. The exhibition puts people in the spotlight who are often overlooked, including financially, and serves as a reminder of the beauty and dignity of old age.

Display of portraits featuring elderly females hailing from the German Democratic Republic, titled "The Aging Luster"