Freischwimmer 26, Wolfgang Tillmans, 2003
The first time I saw a photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans was at the walls of the infamous night club Panorama Bar here in Berlin. Back then I didn’t know who made them and I couldn’t tell if it was a painting or a computer generated graphic. I was just amazed by its overwhelming size and its mesmerizing effect.When I found out that it was actually a photographic work I was more than puzzled.
At Tillmans current exhibition Lighter at the Hamburger Bahnhof I had the chance to take a closer look. Read on for more.
„Ostgut Freischwimmer, right“, Wolfgang Tillmans, 2004
The German photographer is mainly known for his portraits and his captured moments of pop culture. But in 2000 he also started to experiment with photographic processes and paper. The photographs were no longer pictures. They became textures and abstract objects. During his experiments he created the images of his series Freischwimmer, that you can see more of at the exhibition.
Standing at the Hamburger Bahnhof I was again fascinated by the giant images of flowing particles in pink clouds of liquid. I saw more than just abstract structures and vibrant colours. I saw purity, movement and subtle complexity. These images have an aura to them that can hardly be put into words. But you will feel it when you stand in front of them.
Lighter
Wolfgang Tillmans
March 21 – August 24, 2008
Hamburger Bahnhof
Invalidenstraße 50- 51
10557 Berlin
Wolfgang Tillmans Freischwimmer 26, 2003
© Wolfgang Tillmans, Courtesy Galerie Daniel Buchholz, Köln
