Wolfgang Tillmans

Wolfgang Tillmans is a renowned German photographer. His extensive portfolio stands out for its keen observation of the world around him and continuous exploration of the fundamentals of the photographic art form.

Tillmans holds the distinction of being the first photographer and the first non-British recipient of the esteemed Turner Prize.

Biography of Wolfgang Tillmans

Wolfgang Tillmans was born in 1968 in Remscheid, Germany. His exposure to the world of art began at an early age, with visits to museums in Düsseldorf and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne between the ages of 14 and 16. These visits acquainted him with the photo-based works of influential artists such as Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol.

His first encounter with England, as an exchange student in 1983, introduced him to the vibrant British youth culture and the prevailing fashion and music magazines of the era. Following this, he resided in Hamburg from 1987 to 1990, during which he held his inaugural solo exhibitions in 1988 at Café Gnosa, Fabrik-Foto-Forum, and Front.

Tillmans pursued his formal education from 1990 to 1992 at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design (now known as Arts University Bournemouth) in southern England. Subsequently, he relocated to London before spending a year in New York starting in 1994.

Since 1995, Tillmans has primarily resided and worked in London, although, since 2007, he has divided his time between Berlin and the British capital. 

Throughout his illustrious artistic career, Wolfgang Tillmans has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Ars Viva Prize (1995), the Turner Prize (2001), an Honorary Fellowship at The Arts Institute at Bournemouth (2001), the Hasselblad Award (2015), and many more. Between 2003 and 2009, Tillmans held the position of professor at the Städelschule in Frankfurt.

His recent solo exhibitions include "To look without fear" at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco (2023), "Wolfgang Tillmans: Fold Me" at David Zwirner in New York (2023), "Books are liquid" at Librairie Delpire & co in Paris (2023), among others. 

Wolfgang Tillmans' artworks have been featured in several international group shows, including those held at Centre Pompidou, Dulwich Picture Gallery, K11 Art Museum, Galerie Chantal Crousel, RISD Museum, Barbican Centre, and Walker Art Center among others. 

Wolfgang Tillmans' Art Style

Wolfgang Tillmans has pushed the boundaries of image-making, introducing a fresh subjectivity to photography. Exploring conventional genres like portraiture, still life, and landscape, he consistently probes the thresholds of visibility, blending intimacy and whimsy with a critical eye on society. This approach challenges established values and hierarchies. By integrating diverse genres, subjects, techniques, and exhibition methods, Tillmans broadens the traditional scope of photography, prompting reflection on the essence of image creation in our modern, visually saturated environment.