Wolfgang Tillmans: A look at Remscheid's fascinating exhibition

Wolfgang Tillmans: A look at Remscheid's fascinating exhibition

Wolfgang Tillmans, one of the most striking German artists of our time, is currently attracting attention with two exhibitions. While the exhibition in Remscheid can be seen until January 4th, 2026, art enthusiasts can also enjoy his works in Dresden until June 26th. The artist, who was born in Remscheid in 1968, takes on the role of curator in these exhibitions and shows a diverse range of his photographs and video works, which combine both intimate portraits and impressive landscape shots.

New visitor magnet in Remscheid

The exhibition in Haus Cleff is a real treasure trove with well over 600 square meters of exhibition space. Here Tillmans realized his own vision and even received a key for the community center. In the first few weeks after reopening, the show attracted 3,000 visitors. The works show an exciting contrast: In addition to portraits of prominent personalities such as Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, Tillmans also presents impressive photos of old factory halls and server parks in Silicon Valley. This combination reflects not only the diversity of his art, but also the strongly industrial background of his homeland.

In Dresden, however, things are heavenly: the “Space” exhibition shows around 200 photographs and videos, including unpublished works. Tillmans processes his lifelong love of astronomy here and does not leave out the reference to the sky and stars. With images from the CERN nuclear research center and the fascinating transit of Venus, he amazes the viewer.

The artist and his path

Wolfgang Tillmans is considered a pioneer of contemporary photography. In 2000 he was the first photographer ever to be awarded the prestigious Turner Prize. Tillmans developed a passion for photography early on and was initially influenced by greats like Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol. His career began in Hamburg, where he had his first solo exhibitions and became involved in the local rave scene. Over the years he has explored a variety of subjects and made a name for himself in various genres, from portraits to still lifes to politically engaged works. His best-known works, such as “Lutz & Alex sitting in the trees”, have become icons of the 1990s.

On the occasion of his exhibition, Tillmans recounts a special experience: “My photos are a mirror of contemporary culture, including youth and subcultures,” said the artist in an interview from 2000. Through his critical but also humorous view of society, he has made a name for himself not only in Germany but internationally.

With his show at the MoMA in New York in 2023 and numerous awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit and the Goslar Kaiserring, Tillmans remains highly popular. His ability to carefully observe the world around him and capture it in interesting ways is more relevant today than ever before.

The two exhibitions in Remscheid and Dresden offer a unique insight into Wolfgang Tillmans' work and invite you to discover his perspective on life, industry and the universe. Visit these extraordinary events and let yourself be carried away by the pictures and stories!

You can find out more about Wolfgang Tillmans and his importance for the art world in the reports from flz.de and americansuburbx.com as well as on Wikipedia.