Andreas Gursky - The making of worlds

THIS VIDEO: I’m talking about the work of Andreas Gursky, a German photographer who, until recently had the distinction of having the highest price paid for his photograph. This image Rhine 2 sold at Christies for 4.3 million dollars in 2011… and it was only in 2022 that $12.4 million dollars was paid for a Man Ray. Purists would argue that he is not a straight photographer in the sense that he does use digital manipulation extensively. He’s questioning what the boundaries of photography are, how to expand what a photograph might be.. and to question how we look at pictures. He mixes the real world with fiction - by taking advantage of the fact that photography can give you both. His images are iconic on multiple levels - the process of taking of the photographs is often technically complex and costly, in exhibitions he enlarges his images - sometimes to 6m in length (that’s close to 20 ft). His subject matter is also grand - He is interested in how the world is put together in this age of globalization. How man-made structures, and systems are arranged in order to cope with the demands of modern consumerism.
Gursky’s teachers at a the Kunstakademiein Dusseldorf were the famous Bernd and Hilla Besher - who spent their career documenting industrial structures across the Western world - they took thousands of images and divided these into categories based on function. They sequenced the images by formal similarities. Their conceptual art encourages viewers to engage with the structured qualities of the subject matter.
1-on-1 MENTORING: graemewilliams.co.za/mentor-p...
ABOUT ME: The conversations focus on topics related to different aspects of photography including: art, documentary and photojournalism. The discussions explore the personal experiences of photographers and artists and how their work reflects both their internal and external landscape. During the past 30 years I have photographed in over 50 countries for magazines including National Geographic, Time, New York Times and Newsweek. I have held solo exhibitions in New York, London and Paris and my work is showcased in private and institutional art collections around the world.
COPYRIGHT: The copyright for all images belongs to the photographer/s being discussed.
WEBSITE: www.graemewilliams.co.za
FACEBOOK: / graemewilliamsphotogra...
INSTAGRAM: williamsgraeme
MUSIC: KZbin audio - A dusty road - Dan Lebowitz, Leave it alone - Underbelly
VIDEO CLIPS: Andreas Gursky's Epic Panarama, Making of Andreas Gursky, Andreas Gursky at the Hayward Gallery,

[@channamasala]

Loved listening to your insights. Thanks.

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Thank you Graeme, I find Gursky's work stunning and very inspiring.

[@desmondpainter7313]

Wonderful episode, again. Always impressed with how you assess and find reasons to appreciate such a wide variety of styles and approaches. It's both informative and insightful. Thanks!

[@ericcooper9010]

Best critique of a photographer's work I've ever seen.

[@sonofoneintheuniverse]

Andreas Gursky takes 'ways of seeing' to the next level ... incredible work and incredibly interesting concept. 😊

[@LloydSpencer]

Wow! Superb, Graeme. And I write here with feeling. I gave a seminar incorporating Gursky into my theme of photographers reflecting the ‘anthropocene’. I was inspired partly by my discovery of the work of Richard Misrach. But your research and presentation goes way beyond mine. This is really coherent, satisfying and thought-provoking. Thank you, and well-done.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks again Lloyd.

[@DP-dv3kk]

inspiring

[@almostgreen9498]

Another fabulous video! Thank you!

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Fascinating … thanks very much for another brilliant montage and analysis!

[@pedrodasilveira]

You're doing an excellent job! Kind regards

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Pedro

[@nicknichols4249]

I enjoyed your analysis of Gursky's work.

[@SlavaVeres]

Gursky’s photos are phenomenal. Thanks for the visit! ❤ And - I enjoyed watching your selection of #MyFIVE photographs on TheCritHouse KZbin channel 👍 Wonderful analysis

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Slava Thanks so much Slava!

[@bowenisland100]

Good overview: thank you!

[@cortezcabret9408]

Great stuff, Graeme