Fascination of the oceans: Winter whale photo exhibition in the Reutlinger Museum!

Fascination of the oceans: Winter whale photo exhibition in the Reutlinger Museum!

The fascinating world of whales is currently the focus of an impressive photo exhibition in the Reutlingen Natural History Museum, which is curated by Norwegian marine biologist and photographer Audun Rikardsen. Under the title “Winter Whales,” the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the sometimes breathtaking, sometimes worrying facets of the lives of these majestic creatures. The exhibits, mostly from the deep blue fjords of Norway, show the encounters between whales and humans and the enigmatic behavior of these animals. The show can be seen until October 26, 2025 and offers a true feast for the senses.

Whales and manatees are the only mammals that spend their entire lives in water. Special attention is paid to the blue whale, the largest animal that has ever lived. With an impressive length of up to 30 meters, it leaves a lasting impression not only on scientists but also on nature lovers. Audun Rikardsen, who has been documenting the behavior of whales for years, has perfected his craft so much that his photographs also capture the sometimes tragic fates of the sea creatures.

Climate change and its consequences

Rikardsen's exhibition is not only a visual experience, but also addresses important ecological problems. The marine biologist reports worrying temperatures, reaching close to 30 degrees Celsius in the regions he photographed. This warming is already having a noticeable impact on ecosystems by affecting herring migration routes. If the fish move further north, whale species such as the orcas are at great risk, whose livelihoods are threatened by changes in the waters. This highlights how closely marine animal habitats are linked to climate change, which is why the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is calling for better protection for whales. Whales contribute to CO2 binding with the help of phytoplankton and therefore represent an aspect of climate protection that should not be underestimated.

“With the exhibition we not only want to show the beauty of the whales, but also draw attention to their protection,” explains Rikardsen. His specialty is the so-called split-level shots, in which he combines landscapes above and below water. This technique allows viewers to take in unique perspectives while recognizing the fragile balance of the underwater world.

A look behind the scenes

Rikardsen's fascination with marine biology arose in 2010 when he began taking photographs. He has been a professor of freshwater and marine biology since 2008 and has taken part in numerous photography competitions, including the renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year 15 times. Whale bones are also presented as part of the exhibition to illustrate the gigantic dimensions of these animals.

The stories told through photography are not only about the beauty of animals, but also about the threats posed by human activities such as plastic pollution and industrial fishing. One particularly striking photo documents a humpback whale that became entangled in an undersea internet cable - an event that led to a three-week communications outage for the coastal region.

The exhibition “Winter Whales – Photographs by Audun Rikardsen” takes place in the Reutlingen Natural History Museum, Am Weibermarkt 4, 72764 Reutlingen. For further information and to experience Rikardsen's visually stunning works up close, we recommend that you plan a visit. The impressive images and the explosive topics they address are a real must-see for both animal lovers and environmentally conscious people.

RTF1 reports that...

SWR gives insights into...

GEO explains why whales...