The photo series was taken as part of the "NAHbarschaftsfest" at the St. Raphael senior citizens' center in Soers on 24 August 2024. During Frank Petersen and Astrid Simons' "Nahbar" event there, two people who didn't know each other were invited to take a seat in a beach chair and chat. Questions led to conversations that resulted in real, personal encounters. Frank Petersen captured these moments photographically.
The Aachen-Laurensberg district office is now exhibiting the impressive pictures from June 6. They show how easily closeness and connection can arise when you consciously take time for the other person. District Mayor Petra Perschon-Adamy is particularly looking forward to the opening of the exhibition, which she will be attending: "The photos clearly show how quickly human trust can develop and be strengthened. In our society, we need more closeness and trust to counteract loneliness, to promote social interaction, to strengthen the sense of community and to encourage exchanges between generations and cultures."
Even after the exhibition opening, anyone interested can admire the photos during the district office's opening hours. The Aachen-Laurensberg district office is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 noon and on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5.30 pm.