German artist Thomas Kellner is known for his photographs of architectural attractions from all over the world. His images dance and play, push and pull. They apply new techniques to traditional photographic practice and reference methods of construction/deconstruction, histories of cubism and the practice of cataloging. His work is composed of 35mm film, the once omnipresent media now all but replaced by the digital world. Kellner plans his images, creating sketches before taking a single shot, but is never sure of the result until the work is developed. Carefully composed frames reconfigure in the darkness of the photo-lab. Contact sheets are themselves the final piece of contemporary art. Though he imposes a system to his shooting practice, the final work is always a “surprise.” Kellner does tend to establishes a firm base, carefully marking-out his composition. As he works his way through the shot he tips his camera in one direction and the other; the effect is a visual dance.
Bridges have been a popular theme in the artist’s work; Kellner has also documented the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Brooklyn Bridge in New York. The London Tower Bridge, worthy enough even for children’s songs and games, is arguably the most infamous bridge in history. We can’t help but hear echos of the popular children’s rhyme in our mind as we gaze at this work.
Thomas Kellner
8.9 x 8.2 in. silverprint
Edition of 10
$4,600