Earth

Anke Krey

The Südwestkirchhof is one of Europe’s most important graveyards. The old Berlin cemetery contains graves of notable persons and sepulchral art from many centuries. Magnificent tombs and romantic, wild landscapes are coveted motifs, yet the photographer Anke Krey is more interested in the people who work at the graveyard. For more than a year, she accompanied the cemetery staff at work. The resulting series provides insights into a special world between life and death, religion and pragmatism, staging and authenticity; tasks both pious and profane must be done. Depending on the need, cemetery staff act as chaplains, handymen, and pallbearers. In the midst of the magnificently sculpted tombs and landscapes, they themselves, in their shifting roles, become a genuine part of the overall performance in a world that is far too fascinating and beautiful to stay hidden.