Wolfgang Tillmans (b. 1968) is a leading genre-bending art-world disruptor. Since emerging in the late 1990's, Tillmans has twisted the boundaries and formats of photography. In 2000, Tillmans won the Turner Prize and became one of the most contested recipients in its history; Not only was he the first photographer to win, but was also the first non-Brit.
Tillmans has worked in fashion photography, portraiture, still life, collage and installation. Some of his earliest exhibitions included covering gallery walls with a broad range of images from assorted formats; oversized C-prints, color photocopies, magazine tear-outs, etc. This diversity of medium and planned informality predicts many of the art-world trends that would manifest almost a decade later.
For Speedmaster #2, Tillmans prepared four distinct inks and fed them into the running press. Selecting a gradient of four colors--dark red, green, blue, then black--he orchestrates a subtle symphony across the swathes of paper. The final step in his process is to fold each sheet in half four times, then signing and numbering the verso in pencil.
Intending the work to be displayed unfolded, Tillmans specifies that the creases from the folds should remain intact, not flattened. This intentional display format allows each squared section to reflect a slightly different angle of light, emphasizing overall surface tension and metallic sheen of the inked sheet. Almost sculptural in nature, this artwork is uniquely captivating.
Mysterious and clever, Speedmaster #2 stands between representation, abstraction, and the alchemy of photographic techniques. Displaying the literal marks of his process, Tillmans upholds his tradition of challenging conventions and emphasizing process.
Today, examples of Tillmans' work can be found in institutions around the world including the Centre Pompidou (Paris), the Guggenheim (NYC), the MoMA (NYC), the Stedelijk Museum (Amsterdam) and the MOCA (Los Angeles) to mention a few.
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"Speedmaster #2"
Germany, 2011
Offset print on LuxoArt Velvet paper, 200gsm (folded sheet, as published)
From a series of 170
Hand-signed "Wolfgang Tillmans" and numbered "29/0170" in pencil, verso
47"H 48"W (work)
(framed with museum glass)
Printer: Dr. Cantz, Ostfildern
Very good condition (folded sheet with partially rubbed folds, as published)
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