Marius Tegethoffs photography explores physical self-resemblance of existence. Originated in altitudes of up to 40000 feet, far away from any human trace, his monumental yet subtle skyscapes explore the relativity of dimensions and the absoluteness of proportions: Even in the vastness of statospheric infinity one might find strong resemblances to maritime, terrestrial, or microscopic structures. All pictures are taken using classic analog technology — the outer world leaves its mark on medium-format photographic film without further processing, optimization, or composing. This process of poetic vulnerability, becoming increasingly rare in the digital age, is part of Tegethoff’s concept of authentic purity. Similar to the meditative horizons of Hiroshi Sugimoto or even the seascapes paintings of Gerhard Richter, Tegethoff’s unique pictoral language creates a beauty of subtle ambiguity in a world of light, air, water, and ice.
The Diffusions series marks the phase from 2008 to 2012. They incorporate imagery of panoramic scale, dealing with the flows and layering of atmospheric diffusions, and originate in up to 12 kilometers of altidude. Virtually unseen in photography so far, these motifs develop poetic aesthetics of transcendental impact.
The actual work, called Umbra, takes the idea of Diffusions a step further. Here, the planet’s geometry is not seen with the eyes of a potential participant, but from a distance. The recurring visual theme is the earth’s own shadow (the umbra) being cast into the atmosphere during twilight. This phenomenon cannot be seen from the earth’s surface, the viewer must be at high altitude to watch it. The playful change of perspective remains a major experience with Tegethoff’s photography. Again, the apparent is questioned, and new explorations prove to be surprisingly beautiful.
Marius Tegethoff, age 46, lives and works in Berlin, loves airplanes and calls himself an analog native. He’s not only interested in snapshots of cross-sectional nature but as well in the longitudinal flow of time. Currently his work is shown as part of the “Talent Alert” group exhibition at the Flo Peters Gallery, Hamburg, Germany.
Marius Tegethoff: Skyscapes
From 9 to 30 April 2013
Flo Peters Gallery
Chilehaus C
Pumpen 8
20095 Hamburg
Germany
Inquiries: Dr. Judith Plodeck, Berlin, [email protected]
