Iconic Portraits

From Hidden Smile and Ageless Beauty to portraits made in Cuba and India, this selection explores Réhahn’s interest in human connection, individual character and the fleeting expressions that shape each photograph.

Iconic Portraits brings together a selection of Réhahn's photographs made in Vietnam, Cuba, India and other countries throughout his career. Drawn from different series and encounters, these portraits share an interest in human expression, individuality and the relationships that develop between the photographer and his subjects.

For Réhahn, portraiture begins with interaction rather than the camera. Conversation, patience and mutual trust are essential to his approach. He often spends time getting to know people before photographing them, sometimes returning several times as relationships develop. Not every encounter results in a photograph. He believes that understanding a person, respecting their boundaries and allowing moments to unfold naturally are more important than directing a particular expression.

This approach is particularly evident in Hidden Smile, a series that began in 2011 following his encounter with Madam Xong, a boatwoman in Hội An. The recurring gesture of covering the mouth while smiling draws attention to the eyes and hands, revealing emotions that extend beyond the visible smile. Through these portraits, Réhahn explores how gestures can communicate joy, shyness, humour and other feelings that are not always immediately apparent.

Another significant aspect of his portraiture is explored in Ageless Beauty, a project that challenges conventional perceptions of beauty and aging. Rather than concealing wrinkles or the physical marks of time, Réhahn considers them part of a person's identity. The faces and hands of older generations carry traces of their experiences, work and memories. His photographs invite viewers to reconsider the value placed on youth and to recognise beauty in different stages of life.

Across different generations, countries and cultural backgrounds, these portraits reflect a consistent approach to human interaction. Photography becomes a means of encountering people rather than simply recording their appearance. Each image preserves a particular expression or gesture, while suggesting a personal story and a relationship that extend beyond the frame.