We live in turbulent times. But what exactly is unrest? Restlessness is a state of excitement that can be interpreted in many ways. Restlessness means movement, activity against standstill and monotony, but it also leads to new thoughts, political actions and makes visions possible. In »turbulent times« people are often dominated by fears, in »turbulent times« people often rebel, in »turbulent times« creativity can develop. The world is changing – positively or negatively, and often surprisingly.

The concept of restlessness is dialectical, we feel it as a complete contrast. Restlessness can become a motor for creative work, but it also has a disturbing effect, and fear of loss arises. This makes support such as friendships, partnership, community, nature, philosophy, and a love of art and culture all the more important. Art also redefines itself in troubled times. It asks questions. New, different, demanding.

»Turbulent times« are turning points. The desire for orientation is great. Basic questions of life are being asked anew, people are looking for a compass, looking for something to hold on to. Philosophers state that there is »world unrest« – and that has been the case for many years.

But does the restless world come to rest again? Or have restlessness, burnout in digital worlds become the new normal? The theme of the Wiesbaden Photo Days 2022 can also be interpreted in this direction.

We ask: What role can the »still image«, photography, play in troubled times? Is it more than a frozen moment, is it perhaps a moving medium? Is it a witness? Or does hold firmly against it, bringing calm into the game? Where there is restlessness, there must also be peace and quiet and deceleration. But how can one escape the unrest and its pressure?