Wolfgang Tillmans
Wolfgang Tillmans
Wolfgang Tillmansis a German fine-art photographer. His diverse body of work is distinguished by observation of his surroundings and an ongoing investigation of the photographic medium’s foundations...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionPhotographer
Date of Birth16 August 1968
CountryGermany
art growing-up moving
A photocopier is a camera in its own right. I was fortunate to grow up in the time and culture that I did. I was allowed to develop an awareness that the art that really moves me is actually based on an original image.
tools looks taboo
To look without fear is a good subversive tool, undermining taboos.
humility portraits fragility
For me, a good portrait shows the fragility and humility of the person, and at the same time a strength, a resting in themselves.
reading individual complexity
I am interested not in individual readings, but in constructing networks of images and meanings capable of reflecting the complexity of the subject.
art self ideas
Always take yourself seriously... it's not the same as being pompous, or overly self-assured, but it is important to understand that the small little ideas that creep up in your mind, often contain the germ of a much larger project. All great art wasn't born as great art. It first needed to be recognized by the artist him/herself. Through his or her belief in it, it became true.
motivation creating community
My work is aimed at creating a world in which I wish to live. Consequently, it is about creating ideals with the aid of realistic techniques. My most fundamental motivation is a desire for unity, fusion and sense of community.
lying cameras authenticity
The true authenticity of photographs for me is that they usually manipulate and lie about what is in front of the camera, but never lie about the intentions behind the camera.
tragedy awareness corners
What I'm interested in is happiness with a full awareness of the tragedy of life, the potential tragedy that lurks around every corner and the tragedy that actually is life.