Retrospektiver

Retrospektiver, in plural form, is a term used primarily in art, film, music and related fields to describe an exhibition, program, or survey that presents the body of work of a person or a particular period. The aim is to reveal development over time, highlight recurring themes, and place works within a career or historical context. Retrospektiver are typically curated to span multiple media and may include major works alongside lesser-known pieces, as well as archival material such as sketches, studies, letters, or other documents. They are usually accompanied by a catalog, wall texts, and critical essays that provide interpretation and context.

In visual arts, a retrospektiv traces an artist’s trajectory from early experiments to mature realizations, often arranged chronologically. In cinema, retrospektiver program a director’s or actor’s œuvre, sometimes organized around themes or periods. In music, a retrospective may present an artist’s recordings and performances across decades. In theatre and dance, retrospective programs can survey productions, choreographies, or design work. Museums and cultural institutions use retrospektiver to preserve memory, educate audiences, and support scholarship.

Retrospektiver are distinct from monographs or single-work surveys, which focus on individual works or narrow aspects. They can serve as educational tools, marketably expanding public and critical engagement with an artist’s life and influence. In contemporary practice, the term also appears in non-arts contexts; for example, in software development, a similarly named retrospective refers to a team meeting focused on reflecting on a completed work and improving future processes.

Etymology-wise, the term derives from Latin retro- “back” and spectivus “looking.” In Norwegian and related languages, retrospektiv(er) or retrospektiver is used with similar meaning.