My Circus by Ellen von Unwerth

Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht presents an exhibition by famous Paris-based German fashion and fine art photographer Ellen von Unwerth from 31 January until 13 September 2026. The high-profile exhibition My Circus features 160 iconic photographs of models and pop musicians in which femininity, playfulness, eroticism, and fashion take center stage. The stylish images were created for fashion brands, publications, and her own inspiring VON magazine and books.

The exhibition shows photos of supermodel Claudia Schiffer, with which Ellen von Unwerth made an early breakthrough as a photographer. Colourful artworks are alternated with black-and-white portraits of celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, RuPaul, Beyoncé, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, and Rihanna. A prominent role is reserved for intimate images from her first monograph Snaps (1994). Also two videos will be on display.

The circus forms the common thread of the exhibition, reflecting Ellen von Unwerth’s lifelong fascination for this cultural phenomenon. At a young age, she worked for three years at Circus Roncalli in Munich, as an assistant to the knife-thrower and clown, an experience that continues to inspire her. In My Circus, this theme is expressed in the exuberant use of colour, the theatrical compositions, and the dynamic character of the photographs.



After a successful ten-year modeling career, Ellen von Unwerth (Frankfurt, 1954) has been behind the camera herself since forty years. The influential fashion photographer enjoys great international acclaim. Her provocative, cinematic work is characterized by a playful, sensual, and mischievous style. The photographer uniquely captures the personality and strength of female models and musicians, combining glamour with irony and humour.

Ellen von Unwerth made commissioned work for Chanel, Dior, G-Star, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, and magazines as ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. The visual artist exhibits worldwide in leading galleries and museums, including the MoMA in New York, Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris, and Fotografiska in New York, Stockholm, and Tallinn. Her work has also been presented at major art fairs such as Art Basel Miami, Paris Photo, and Photo London. Ellen von Unwerth was honoured by the British Royal Photographic Society.