Ansel Adams und Mond (Literaturtage Recklinghausen 2026)

Ansel Adams: The Moon, the Landscape, and the Magic of the Moment

Hardly any photographer has shaped our perception of landscape as much as Ansel Adams. His iconic photographs of the American wilderness are among the most significant works in the history of photography. Particularly famous are those images in which the moon rises over spectacular landscapes—captured in a unique interplay of light, nature, and artistic intuition.

This extraordinary evening combines photographic art, astronomy, and the philosophy of nature. Using astronomical analyses, the moments when Adams’ famous moon photographs were taken are meticulously reconstructed and placed in the context of his life and work. At the same time, fascinating insights are revealed into the recurrence of such celestial events and the possibility of reliving the magical moments captured in his photographs.

Supplemented by texts by Ansel Adams and his contemporaries, a multifaceted portrait emerges of an artist who dedicated his life to the protection of nature and the idea of American national parks. His fusion of art, science, and environmental awareness continues to inspire us today—and is more relevant than ever.