It is Germany’s longest structure: the 13,000 kilometer concrete and asphalt strip of the federal autobahn. Everyone knows it and uses it, at the same time the Germans curse and love this network.
In 1974, the electro-pop band Kraftwerk dedicated the catchy tune “Wir fahr’n, fahr’n, fahr’n auf der Autobahn” to the multi-lane expressway, which also became an international hit. The text, which is not exactly wordy, says: “The roadway is a gray band. White stripes, green border” – a very appropriate short description.
The photographer, who has become known through countless travel photo books, wrote regarding this road system Karl Johaentges conducted a long-term study with his camera. Within a decade, he not only covered 30,000 kilometers in his own vehicle, but climbed into a gyrocopter several times, for example to photograph the motorway junctions from the air, some of which look like shamrocks and spaghetti knots.
Everyday life on the Autobahn
Now the best pictures are in the illustrated book “The German Autobahn. Experience – Myth – Lifeline” in the publishing house Frederking & Thaler appeared. Thousands of kilometers of motorway are summarized in words and pictures on 192 pages. The photos show everyday life on the Autobahn in all its diversity, from a route that is harmoniously integrated into the landscape, to the chaos of construction sites, rest areas, traffic accidents, police and rescue operations, to rest areas, control rooms and crumbling bridge pillars.
What is special: Johaentges also looks into the world off the road, behind the scenes of gas stations, visits motorway churches and has won the trust of people whose job is on the federal motorway, whether construction workers, snow clearers or toilet attendants. And in his texts he clears up the false myths of history.
The keynote throughout the illustrated book is the refrain of the Kraftwerk song, “We’re driving, driving, driving on the Autobahn”. A book that was long overdue and became a unique picture bible regarding the German autobahn.
Also read:
– Illustrated book regarding the lagoon city: The last real Venetians
– Rust instead of chrome – the unglamorous end of the road cruiser
– Lost Places in the USA: Poetry of transience – Moments of eternity at the highway edge
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