Wolfgang Tillmans
Photography may not be the first thing one thinks of when the word "art" is mentioned, but every photographer, just like any artist, is able to capture the true beauty behind any scene. Through different angles, aspects, perspectives, and the entire editorial process, a photographer can take a single moment in time and transform it using their own creative techniques and abilities.
German photographer, Wolfgang Tillmans, emerged into the world of art in the early 90's, known first for the casual snapshots of his friends and surroundings, capturing the essence of different youth scenes and night clubs as well as further depictions of LGBTQ culture and interaction. His work has since expanded tremendously, now featuring many still works, landscapes, portraits, and abstracts. His unique style has captured the attention of all different kinds of people from all around the world.
Tillmans' scandalous appeal has turned the heads of many, spiking interest, intrigue, and curiosity with the abundance of erotic nude or partially nude photos throughout his collections. His images definitely pose an interesting perspective, one that is not often displayed, but it is very much real and I respect that. His use of real people in real circumstances gives his work an element of comfort and relatability, especially among the LGBTQ population, but among others as well. Each element of every photo has a specific and unique purpose, from the choice of clothing and background scenery down to the the exact placement and camera angle of the photo. His ability to make a staged scene feel so real and so familiar is what makes his work stand apart.
It is said that many artist's have their own set style or focus that is prevalent throughout their work, sort of like their trademark. Tillmans is unique in the way that he has not allowed his work to be limited to one specific area. The tremendous amount of diversity displayed throughout his collections has allowed for the admiration and appeal of a much broader audience. His ability to capture the simplicity and elegance of a still life picture of an array of everyday fruits and vegetables compared to the vast beauty portrayed by a setting sun reflecting off the never ending waves of the ocean to his pictures depicting intimate relationships and love scenes shows just how deep and how wide his talent stretches. He is able to capture the reality of life, its beauty and its genuinity.
Tillmans is able to connect his own experiences with those of the outside world through his bold art. He is able to captivate his viewer with an image that seems so very ordinary. But it is because of the ordinary nature of his photos that viewers become so intrigued. He gives us something that the rest of the world has taken away: a sense of reality. Our minds have become accustomed to the filtered images the media and other outlets feed us every single day. Tillmans gives us a refreshing glimpse of life, real life. When asked about his work, he identified his purpose behind the camera saying, "I take pictures, in order to see the world." And this is Tillmans' trademark. He is real and raw and his pictures are able to exhibit that in the truest terms.
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German photographer, Wolfgang Tillmans, emerged into the world of art in the early 90's, known first for the casual snapshots of his friends and surroundings, capturing the essence of different youth scenes and night clubs as well as further depictions of LGBTQ culture and interaction. His work has since expanded tremendously, now featuring many still works, landscapes, portraits, and abstracts. His unique style has captured the attention of all different kinds of people from all around the world.
Tillmans' scandalous appeal has turned the heads of many, spiking interest, intrigue, and curiosity with the abundance of erotic nude or partially nude photos throughout his collections. His images definitely pose an interesting perspective, one that is not often displayed, but it is very much real and I respect that. His use of real people in real circumstances gives his work an element of comfort and relatability, especially among the LGBTQ population, but among others as well. Each element of every photo has a specific and unique purpose, from the choice of clothing and background scenery down to the the exact placement and camera angle of the photo. His ability to make a staged scene feel so real and so familiar is what makes his work stand apart.
It is said that many artist's have their own set style or focus that is prevalent throughout their work, sort of like their trademark. Tillmans is unique in the way that he has not allowed his work to be limited to one specific area. The tremendous amount of diversity displayed throughout his collections has allowed for the admiration and appeal of a much broader audience. His ability to capture the simplicity and elegance of a still life picture of an array of everyday fruits and vegetables compared to the vast beauty portrayed by a setting sun reflecting off the never ending waves of the ocean to his pictures depicting intimate relationships and love scenes shows just how deep and how wide his talent stretches. He is able to capture the reality of life, its beauty and its genuinity.
Tillmans is able to connect his own experiences with those of the outside world through his bold art. He is able to captivate his viewer with an image that seems so very ordinary. But it is because of the ordinary nature of his photos that viewers become so intrigued. He gives us something that the rest of the world has taken away: a sense of reality. Our minds have become accustomed to the filtered images the media and other outlets feed us every single day. Tillmans gives us a refreshing glimpse of life, real life. When asked about his work, he identified his purpose behind the camera saying, "I take pictures, in order to see the world." And this is Tillmans' trademark. He is real and raw and his pictures are able to exhibit that in the truest terms.
"A$AP Rocky", 2018
Displayed at Galerie Buchholz
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll1484877llgM4FCfDrCWvaHBOAD/wolfgang-tillmans-a$ap-rocky.jpg
"May", 2008
Displayed at Galerie Buchholz
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll1420701llgM4FCfDrCWvaHBOAD/wolfgang-tillmans-may.jpg
Supermarket, 1990
https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/CSK/2005_CSK_05815_0166_000().jpg
"Frank Ocean, Berlin 2", 2015
On display at Galerie Buchholz
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll1442400llgM4FCfDrCWvaHBOAD/wolfgang-tillmans-frank-ocean,-berlin-2.jpg
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