Wolfgang Tillmans, Speedmaster #2

For the edition Speedmaster #2, Wolfgang Tillmans prepared four distinct printing inks (in a four-color gradient, from dark red, green, blue, to black, left to right) and fed them into the running press. After the sheets were printed and allowed to dry, they were meticulously folded by hand. When the sheet is unfolded, it should not be flattened, but rather displayed with the creases and surface tension intact, allowing each fold to reflect light in different shades.

Wolfgang Tillmans, a pivotal figure in contemporary photography, is known for redefining the boundaries of the medium. Rather than focusing solely on traditional photography, the German artist embraces a broad spectrum of image creation that includes still lifes, portraits, landscapes, and abstract artworks. Tillmans’ innovative approach extends beyond the camera; he utilizes photocopiers and engages directly with photographic chemicals, exploring the material possibilities of photography and questioning the role of image-making in a world inundated with visuals. Since emerging in the 1990s with his candid snapshot photographs that vividly captured youth culture, LGBTQ communities, and the vibrant energy of club scenes, Wolfgang Tillmans has continually evolved his artistic practice. His artwork now encompasses large-scale abstract photography and commissioned photographs for various magazines, demonstrating his versatility and profound impact on the field. Tillmans’ commitment to photography as a form of artistic expression is reflected in his careful management of a diverse body of work spanning over two decades. His statement, “Really, my day-to-day life in the studio … is about taking care of a quarter century’s worth of work and how it functions and operates in the outside world,” underscores his meticulous approach to both the creation and curation of his images. In addition to his photographs, Tillmans has produced a range of limited edition prints that are highly sought after by collectors. These photo editions further exemplify his skill in using the photographic process as a powerful tool for exploration and expression. Through his photographs, prints, and photo editions, Wolfgang Tillmans continues to challenge and expand the conceptual and technical limits of photography, securing his place as a leading artist in the contemporary art world. In 2000, Tillmans was honored with the Turner Prize by Tate in London, becoming the first photographer and the first non-British artist to receive this prestigious award. Moreover, his work has been the subject of prominent solo exhibitions at international institutions including Tate Britain (2003); Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (2006); Serpentine Galleries, London (2012); Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo (MAM); Kunsthalle Zürich (2012); and The National Museum of Art, Osaka (2015). Wolfgang Tillmans was born in Remscheid, Germany in 1968.

Wolfgang Tillmans, Speedmaster #2