Rast - Ausländische Lkw Fahrer auf deutschen Rastplätzen

Rest – Foreign Truck Drivers at German Rest Areas
Exhibition in Koblenz

The photographic series “Rest” documents the living reality of truck drivers from Eastern European countries and third countries, who, contrary to EU regulations, often live in their vehicle cabins for months, sometimes years. Uncertain payment, lack of sanitary facilities, and exceeding allowed working hours are widespread.

Rest areas become makeshift living spaces where drivers – separated from their social environment – spend their everyday lives in isolation.

Photographer Fabian Burgard has accompanied numerous drivers at German rest areas over a period of one and a half years. Through cooking together and conversations, an immediate participation in the everyday life of the drivers emerged, from which the photographic series developed. It showcases personal stories while simultaneously highlighting structural grievances in the industry.

It was photographed on analog film and printed in the darkroom as hand prints in the RA4 process. The work aims to encourage viewers to not only see the vehicles on the roads but also the people in them.

From March 7, 2026 to March 21, 2026, the series “Rest,” which was already awarded the Special Prize at the Cologne Design Award in November 2025, will now also be on display in Koblenz.

In the Stadtmarketing Lab (Koblenz City Marketing, Josef-Görres-Platz 8), photographs from the series will be exhibited. The exhibition is complemented by moving image sequences featuring voices and scenes from drivers, as well as audio elements from an expert interview with Professor Dr. Stefan Sell.

Duration: March 7, 2026 – March 21, 2026
Vernissage (Opening): March 7, 2026
Finissage: March 21, 2026

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM