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Key Takeaways

Wolfgang Tillmans is a renowned German photographer who has redefined contemporary photography through his unique visual expression.
His work often features subjects from 1990s subcultures, capturing the raw and ephemeral moments of marginalized communities.
Tillmans' experimental techniques and innovative approach to photography have earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Turner Prize in 2000.
His photographs have been showcased in major exhibitions, such as the one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which ran from January to November 2015.
Tillmans' work aims to humanize and dignify the perspectives of the everyman, challenging traditional hierarchies of representation in the art world.

Wolfgang Tillmans, born in 1968 in Germany, is an influential photographer known for his diverse work that explores everyday surroundings and the photographic medium. He was the first non-British photographer to win the Turner Prize and has had major retrospectives at prominent institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and Tate Modern. Influenced early on by artists such as Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol, Tillmans studied in England and gained recognition with exhibitions starting in Hamburg. He has lived in London, New York, and currently divides his time between Berlin and London. In 2023, Time named him one of the world's most influential people.

Early Life and Artistic Development in Germany

Wolfgang Tillmans, born on August 16, 1968, is a German photographer recognized for his varied and distinctive body of work, marked by a keen observation of his environment and a continuous exploration of the essence of photography.

Tillmans was the first non-British photographer to win the prestigious Turner Prize. His work has been celebrated with major retrospectives at top institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and Moderna Museet. In 2023, Time magazine included him in its list of the world's most influential people. He currently resides in both Berlin and London.

Born in Remscheid, a city in the Bergisches Land region of Germany, Tillmans discovered influential photo-based art by artists such as Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol during museum visits to Düsseldorf and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne between the ages of 14 and 16. His first exposure to British culture came in 1983 as an exchange student, where he became fascinated by the local youth scene, fashion, and music publications. During high school, he also formed friendships with Alexandra Bircken and Lutz Hülle.

From 1987 to 1990, Tillmans lived in Hamburg, where he held his first solo exhibitions in 1988 at venues such as Café Gnosa, Fabrik-Foto-Forum, and Front. He pursued his art education at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design (now known as Arts University Bournemouth) in southern England from 1990 to 1992.

Educational Background and Influences

Tillmans first gained recognition for his relaxed, sometimes snapshot-like portraits of friends, including fashion designer Lutz Huelle and artist Alexandra Bircken, as well as other young people in his social circle. His photographs, such as those from events like Europride in London (1992) and the Love Parade in Berlin (1992), were featured in magazines like i-D, Spex, Interview, SZ Magazin, and Butt, solidifying his reputation as a significant chronicler of contemporary social movements. In 1997, he became a co-editor at Spex. Tillmans also worked for Index Magazine, creating covers and portraits of notable figures such as John Waters, Gilbert & George, and Udo Kier.

Tillmans has often been described as the "documentarian of his generation," particularly of the London club and gay scenes. However, he has clarified, "It was never my intention to be seen as diaristic or autobiographical. I was not recording the world around me or my tribe or whatever. There is a big misunderstanding there that still persists to this day." About half of his work is staged, with Tillmans carefully choosing clothing, locations, and the poses of his subjects. His series featuring Lutz and Alex, published in i-D in 1992, are seen as key visual records of the 1990s. In his early portraits, Tillmans aimed to capture freedom differently and remarked, "I wanted to somehow represent what was not being represented elsewhere."

Between 1992 and 1994, Tillmans lived and worked in London, before moving to New York in 1994. During this period, he began to develop an innovative exhibition style that involved unframed photographs pinned or taped directly to gallery walls, in a nonhierarchical arrangement. His installations mixed color photos with inkjet prints, postcards, and magazine clippings, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. Tillmans approaches each exhibition as a site-specific installation, viewing the entire space as part of a larger composition.

Following his studies, Tillmans relocated to London and later spent a year in New York in 1994, where he met Jochen Klein, a German painter. Upon returning to England, Tillmans and Klein lived together until Klein's death from AIDS-related complications in 1997.

Starting in 1995, Tillmans was primarily based in London, where he continued his artistic work. In the summer of 1998, he took part in a month-long residency at the last remaining active Shaker community in the world, located in Sabbathday Lake, Maine.

Since 2007, Tillmans has split his time between Berlin and London. In Berlin, his studio is situated in an annex of a modernist building from the early 1930s, designed by architect Max Taut.

Exploring the World Through Photography

Wolfgang Tillmans' photography spans a wide range of styles, including portraits, still lifes, landscapes, aerial shots, sky photographs like his Concorde series, and even astrophotography. His work is driven by both aesthetic appeal and political themes, particularly relating to gender identity and homosexuality. As Tillmans puts it: “I take pictures, in order to see the world.” His art installations come in different sizes, from small to very large, and are available as signed mounted prints or as replaceable inkjet prints authenticated by certificates. These installations often include carefully arranged photos paired with clippings from magazines and newspapers, as seen in “Soldiers – The Nineties,” or displayed in glass cases as part of his table installations like “truth study center.” Through these varied presentations, Tillmans underscores the equal value of all subjects, constantly recontextualizing his work and avoiding definitive conclusions.

Tillmans used an analog 50 mm Contax SLR camera for over 20 years until transitioning to digital photography in 2009. By 2012, he had fully adopted digital methods. He noted that switching from viewfinders to digital screens changed the photography process, altering the dynamic between the photographer, the subject, and the envisioned image. He observed that the high resolution of digital photography reflects a world transformed by HD visuals, echoing the information density he sees around him.

Tillmans draws inspiration from urban life, including street and club scenes, and his involvement in the gay rights movement fuels much of his work.

His Concorde Grid, created for his 1997 exhibition at Chisenhale Gallery, features 56 equal-sized photographs documenting the plane from various London locations. Other notable grid series include Total Solar Eclipse Grid (1998), which captures the changing light of a solar eclipse and is part of Tate’s collection, and Snow/Ice Grid (1999), showing trampled snow and ice.

Tillmans started showcasing abstract works in 1998, blending darkroom accidents with intentional experimentation. His Silver series explores the paper’s response to light and various processes, leaving traces of silver salts and dirt. His camera-less works, like Blushes and Freischwimmer, reveal fine, light-drawn patterns on paper. His Paper Drop series (2001–08) blurs the line between photography as image and object, with photo paper exposed to colored light and then photographed.

Tillmans' early exhibitions in 1988 featured images made with monochrome laser copiers. He frequently revisited photocopying, enlarging analogue photocopies to reveal unexpected textures. This approach critiques image production and value systems.

Tillmans won the 2001 competition to design Munich’s AIDS memorial, which was completed at Sendlinger Tor. In 2015, he was tasked with creating the official portrait of Neil MacGregor, former British Museum director, making it the institution’s first photographic portrait in its 250-year history.

Most Recognized Works

Lutz & Alex Sitting In the Trees (1992) In his early days after graduating from Bournemouth College of Art and Design, Wolfgang Tillmans created a series of portraits featuring his lifelong friends Lutz and Alex. One standout piece, Lutz & Alex Sitting In the Trees, presents the duo sitting nude on tree branches, wearing open raincoats that reveal their chests. This image playfully challenges traditional views on gender and sexuality, presenting an ambivalent and unconventional portrayal. Described by The Guardian’s Liz Jobey as “an Adam and Eve for the ecstasy generation,” this work combines elements of fine-art and fashion photography, pushing the boundaries of photographic norms and influencing a new wave of photographers such as Alec Soth.

truth study center (2005–Present) Motivated by global political issues like the Iraq War and the presidency of George W. Bush, Tillmans launched the ongoing project truth study center, which questions the foundations of Western neoliberalism and religious extremism. The installation is a mix of photocopies, texts, and images that probe the concept of "absolute truths." Each iteration of the work evolves, incorporating new content to address current issues like misinformation and the "backfire effect," where individuals reinforce false beliefs when presented with contrary evidence. This piece builds on Tillmans’ innovative approach to installations, mixing various media and inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions, reinforcing his philosophy: “If one thing matters, everything matters.”

paper drop (window) (2006) In paper drop (window), Tillmans captures a single sheet of photo paper illuminated by green light and pierced by white light, suggesting the light source is a window. This seemingly simple image turns the photographic medium into a sculptural form, blurring the lines between abstraction and representation. This piece is part of Tillmans’ broader exploration of cameraless photography, where he manipulates photographic paper with light to create unique, self-referential images that challenge the traditional expectations of photography.

Astro Crusto (2012) Astro Crusto is a striking still life that showcases vibrant shades of pink, orange, and red, contrasted by stark white. The central detail of a fly on a half-eaten lobster highlights themes of decadence and indulgence. Shifting focus to still lifes, Tillmans transforms ordinary objects into altars of color and texture. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the seemingly mundane, stating, “They are calls to attentiveness,” urging viewers to be present and aware.

shit buildings going up left, right, and centre (2014) In this photograph, Tillmans captures a city street with towering construction projects, creating a repetitive pattern that extends upward. The title, shit buildings going up left, right, and centre, expresses Tillmans’ criticism of unchecked urban development and gentrification. This work marries his sharp, observational eye with a commitment to politically charged art, exemplifying his ability to infuse social commentary into his visual storytelling.

arms and legs (2015) Arms and legs presents an intimate moment where a man’s hand reaches into another man's shorts, framed in a way that abstracts the scene into a harmonious interplay of limbs and fabric. The photograph is intimate yet not explicit, portraying gay love with tenderness and normalizing it without sensationalism. This work, part of Tillmans’ exploration of identity and vulnerability within the LGBTQ+ community, combines personal narratives with a broader push to challenge and redefine the fine art photograph.

These works illustrate Tillmans' progression as an artist who consistently questions the boundaries of photography, blending political, social, and aesthetic dimensions to redefine contemporary art.

Video Work

Since 1987, Tillmans has also experimented with video. His video installation Lights (Body) (2000–02) features static shots of a club’s light effects. He also directed the music video for the Pet Shop Boys’ single "Home and Dry" (2002), which uniquely featured footage of mice in the London Underground.

Music and Artistic Partnerships

In 2011, Wolfgang Tillmans collaborated with the electronic duo The Opiates, providing a series of photographs for their Hollywood Under the Knife album and the Rainy Days and Remixes EP.

Tillmans, a fan of the experimental synthpop group Colourbox from the 1980s, curated an exhibition titled Music of the Band (1982 - 1987) at his Between Bridges gallery in 2014. He also created the cover art and curated the tracklist for a compilation album associated with the show. This exhibition marked the first use of the gallery's Playback Room, where visitors could listen to his music selections on high-quality speakers.

In 2016, Tillmans’ track “Device Control” was featured in Frank Ocean’s visual album Endless. Ocean, intrigued by Tillmans' photography, initially approached him to discuss potential use for the album Blonde. Tillmans sent him some tracks, and Ocean asked for permission to sample “Device Control.” The piece was ultimately included in its entirety as the opening and closing track of Endless.

The Between Bridges Project

Between Bridges is a non-profit exhibition space founded by Tillmans in Berlin. From April 2006 to late 2011, Tillmans operated the gallery from the ground floor of his Bethnal Green studio in London, a former umbrella factory known as Moarain House. The name Between Bridges references both a 1999 photograph by Tillmans and the studio’s location between two rail bridges. The space’s inaugural show featured works by David Wojnarowicz, and the gallery went on to showcase politically engaged art from underrepresented artists. These exhibitions included works by Jenny Holzer, Wolfgang Breuer, Corita Kent, Charlotte Posenenske, Isa Genzken, Len Lye, and the Center for Land Use Interpretation.

Between 2014 and 2019, the gallery operated from a former studio in Berlin’s Tiergarten area. In 2022, it moved to a new, six-story building in Kreuzberg, designed by Tillmans himself.

Personal Experiences with HIV/AIDS

At age 26, Tillmans contracted HIV from his partner, the German painter Jochen Klein, who passed away in 1997 from AIDS-related complications. This profound experience influenced Tillmans’ view on the fragility of life, as he shared in an interview with SHOWStudio's Lou Stoppard.

Tillmans’ work often reflects his experiences with HIV and the broader LGBTQ community. His 2014 photograph, 17 Years' Supply, features a large box filled with HIV medication bottles labeled with his name. Other pieces, such as Arms and Legs (2014)—an intimate image of a male hand under another man’s red shorts—and Juan Pablo & Karl, Chingaza (2012), depicting two men relaxing and smoking on a grassy surface, also touch on themes of identity and vulnerability.

In 2022, Tillmans took on his first assignment for the New York Times, photographing Dr. Anthony Fauci for an accompanying essay. The publication included both the images and an in-depth conversation between Tillmans and Fauci on the subject of HIV.

Publications and Discography

Books Wolfgang Tillmans has published numerous books showcasing his work. Some notable publications include:

Wolfgang Tillmans (Taschen, 1995, 2002)
Concorde (Walther König, 1997)
Portraits (Walther König / Distributed Art Publishers, 2001)
truth study center (Taschen, 2005)
Neue Welt (Taschen, 2012)
Wolfgang Tillmans: To Look Without Fear (Museum of Modern Art, 2022)

Discography Tillmans' music ventures include:

2016/1986 EP (Fragile Records, 2016)
Device Control EP (Fragile Records, 2016), with the title track featured on Frank Ocean's visual album Endless
Source (Roman Flügel Remixes & Original) (Fragile Records, 2018)

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions Tillmans has held prominent solo exhibitions worldwide, including:

Kunsthalle Zürich (1995)
Tate Britain, London (2003 mid-career retrospective)
MoMA PS1, New York (2006, his first U.S. museum exhibition)
Serpentine Gallery, London (2010)
Tate Modern, London (2017)
Museum of Modern Art, New York (2022–2023)

Group Exhibitions Tillmans has participated in numerous group exhibitions, such as Manifesta 10 in St. Petersburg, Russia (2014).

Teaching and Philanthropy

Teaching Tillmans has contributed to art education through various roles:

Guest professorship at the University of Fine Arts of Hamburg (1998–1999)
Professor of Interdisciplinary Art at the Städelschule, Frankfurt (2003–2006)

Philanthropy Tillmans has engaged in significant philanthropic efforts. In 2011, he documented Haiti's post-earthquake reconstruction for Christian Aid. He served as an Artist Trustee on the Tate Board (2009–2014) and joined the Council of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in 2017, later becoming its chair. In 2022, he organized a Sotheby’s auction to support the ICA.

Jury and Political Engagement

Jury Member Tillmans has served on various juries, including the 2024 panel selecting Simone Fattal for the Berlin Art Prize.

Political Activities Tillmans has been active in political campaigns. He advocated for Britain to remain in the EU ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum and produced anti-far-right posters during Germany’s 2017 elections. In 2024, he supported the SPD by donating 50,000 euros to encourage voter participation in the European elections.

Awards and Recognitions

Wolfgang Tillmans has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including:

2000: Turner Prize, marking him as the first photographer and non-British winner.
2009: Culture Award from the German Society for Photography.
2013: Elected as an Academician at the Royal Academy in London.
2014: Charles Wollaston Award, the top prize at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, accompanied by £25,000.
2015: Hasselblad Award from the Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg, Sweden.
2015: Centenary Medal and Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.
2018: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
2018: Nino Gennaro Award at the Sicilia Queer filmfest.
2023: Named in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people.

Personal Life

Tillmans divides his time between Berlin and London. In 2016, he acquired a beach house in Fire Island Pines, New York, adding a serene retreat to his lifestyle.

Wolfgang Tillmans' Enduring Impact

Wolfgang Tillmans is renowned for his early work with i-D magazine, where he captured the vibrant UK club culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, his contributions go beyond documentation; Tillmans has used his prominence in the art world to portray and support the LGBTQ+ community. His design was selected for the AIDS memorial in Munich, and his art frequently features authentic depictions of queer life, creating a visual language that integrates and normalizes LGBTQ+ representation in the artistic sphere.

His innovative approach to installations has challenged traditional exhibition norms by promoting the equal value of all visual elements, whether framed or displayed informally. Tillmans’ ongoing collaboration with the publisher Taschen has highlighted the significance of photography books as a means of historical documentation and as a platform for expanding the medium's boundaries.

Tillmans also founded a non-profit arts organization aimed at supporting underrepresented artists and addressing contemporary issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and Europe’s migrant crisis. Originally based in London and now operating in Berlin, this space allows him to engage directly with socio-political issues, influencing discussions within the art community.

Tillmans' activism extends into his music career, through which he amplifies his political voice. His collaboration with Frank Ocean has broadened his reach to the "Instagram generation," who often emulate his open, unbiased, and fearless approach to observing and sharing their personal experiences.

FAQ

Who is Wolfgang Tillmans?

Wolfgang Tillmans is a famous German photographer born in 1968 in Remscheid. He has changed how we see photography, making it a true art form.

What were Tillmans' early influences and artistic development?

Tillmans grew up in Remscheid, Germany, loving visual arts. Moving to Hamburg in the late 1980s, he was inspired by the city's music and club scene. He started taking photos, capturing real moments that show his unique style.

How did Tillmans revolutionize contemporary photography?

Tillmans changed photography by breaking rules and trying new things. His work includes small, snapshot images and big, abstract ones. He used color, light, and different mediums to create his art.

What was Tillmans' focus on 1990s club culture?

Tillmans became known for his photos of 1990s club culture, especially in London. His early work showed raw moments from rave parties and clubs, moving away from traditional photography.

How would you describe Tillmans' artistic style and visual language?

Tillmans' style is about capturing real moments and making abstract art. He mixes personal and universal themes in his work. He uses many genres and mediums, from portraits to large installations.

How has Tillmans used his photography for political activism?

Tillmans has used his photos to speak out on politics. He supported the Remain campaign in the UK's EU referendum with posters. His work often shows powerful images of protests and activism.

What major recognition has Tillmans received for his work?

Tillmans has gotten a lot of praise worldwide. In 2000, he won the Turner Prize, a big honor. He has shown his work in top museums like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

How has Tillmans explored themes of identity and sexuality in his work?

Tillmans' work often talks about identity and sexuality. His photos have helped show queer culture and LGBTQ+ identities. He challenges norms and promotes acceptance through his images, offering a fresh view of gay male culture in the 1990s.

Source Links

Selena Mattei | ArtMajeur Magazine

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Wolfgang Tillmans: Capturing Subculture Through Photography