For decades, I have been exploring the depths and nuances that can only be captured through analog techniques. My work reflects a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship involved - an art that, in our age of digital immediacy and artifical intelligence, is increasingly overlooked. The careful composition of each image, the manual adjustment of the camera, the development of film, and the immersion in the darkroom process are not just steps in a workflow for me, but a meditative ritual that embodies the essence of photography.

My photographs, which have been exhibited in the USA, Germany and internationally, serve as testimonies of their time and reflect a world often overlooked. By limiting myself to black-and-white imagery, I strive to evoke a timeless quality that invites viewers to focus on the essential and discover the story behind each image.

I firmly believe that analog photography remains a relevant and powerful form of visual art, even in an era dominated by digital images. My work is a living example of how traditional techniques can not only endure, but also flourish in contemporary culture.

F.C. Gundlach – German Society for Photography, Board of Trustees of the German Center for Photography in Berlin, Founding Director of the House of Photography:
"The composition of Mechthild Op Gen Oorth’s photographs is consistently strong. What stands out in particular is the lyrical atmosphere that envelops each subject. In her portraits, Mechthild Op Gen Oorth conveys psychological depth, with the subject often receding into a state of introspection. Her technical execution—especially the coarse grain of the prints and the deliberate use of soft focus, which she incorporates as a conscious artistic element from the very moment of capture—removes the subject from harsh reality. In this way, the photographer approaches the inner life of the portrayed and simultaneously reveals her own subjective perspective. One could almost describe these images as fleeting dream sequences that Ms. Op Gen Oorth captures with great success. She approaches sculptures with the same sensibility, transforming them into subjectively perceived objects through her manipulated print technique."

Prof. L. Fritz Gruber – German Society for Photography, Gruber Collection – Museum Ludwig Cologne – Photokina Cologne Exhibitions:
"I have known Mechthild Op Gen Oorth for many years through her exhibitions as an outstanding photographer. She is one of those rare photographers who masterfully unites artistic vision and technical execution. Ms. Op Gen Oorth works predominantly in black and white. In contrast to much of what is shown today, her images are refreshingly quiet—and therefore all the more powerful. Her black-and-white subjects appear to float on the white background. Her photographs from the United States are more intense and contrast-rich. Here, she succeeds in capturing fleeting moments and the subtle gray tones that define life."