Observations Worth Remembering: A visual journey from war-torn Germany to the heart of Chicago by photographer and documentary filmmaker Hans Schaal *

An exhibition of classic black and white photographs of captured conversations from the sixties and seventies featuring images from his new book: Hans Schaal, Chicago
Join us on Sunday, December 3, from 1-5pm for a once in a life time celebration hosted by Tanya Tucka and the Chicago Center for Photojournalism at 1226 W. Wilson Avenue.

“I lived a charmed life by growing up in the war-torn country of Germany. It gave me low expectations. At one point I thought I wouldn't live past 10. My scattered path eventually led me to Chicago where I have lived most of life. Chicago had a large contingent of artists and a community dialog of music, art, architecture, politics, sports, radio, and theater. Photography became a steady companion. It gave me a voice. I could talk to people. I could talk about art. It was a tool to be an observer and was easily shared. My instincts tell me that they are moments of life worth remembering. Now at the age of 8 8 my doctors tell me I may not live past 90. I still live a charmed life. ~ Hans Schaal

Hans Schaal (December 22, 1934 to November 3, 2023), an accomplished filmmaker and photographer with a BFA from the Richmond Professional Institute and an MS from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Institute of Design (ID), in Chicago. Hans dedicated 34 years as an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Notable among his achievements is receiving grants, including one from The National Foundation for Science, for his work with volcanologists in the Philippines, resulting in the widely distributed video "The Lahars of Mount Pinatubo" in 1992. Serving as a Director, Producer, Script Writer, Photographer, and Editor, Hans's versatility is evident in works like the 1968 film, recognized by the British Film Institute. One of his impactful documentaries is "Memories and Conversations," exploring a second-generation Greek-American family in Chicago. The film received international acclaim, with renowned film critic Gene Siskel praising Hans Schaal's directorial prowess for presenting an authentic American family, stating, "Director Hans Schaal has given us an American family without glitter and without bitterness."

*This exhibition was planned before his death. Hans was supposed to be here for the opening.”