Author Description

The numerous photographic series of Thomas Ruff (born 1958) are consistently compelling. In larger-than-life-sized portraits we encounter the intent gazes of young adults. Sterile building façades serve as a commentary on the misery of urban sprawl. Pixelated nudes from pornographic websites render important details almost indecipherable while underscoring the power of these images. In exhibitions the photographer shows large-scale prints, which are produced in a very limited number. However, he consistently produces small-format photographic prints using a range of reproductive techniques, which are usually produced in editions of 30 or more to make them affordable for a broader art audience. This catalogue raisonné of editions was prepared by Jörg Schellmann in close cooperation with Thomas Ruff and is based on the most up-to-date research. The works are organized chronologically--not according to the year the image was created but its year of production. The volume presents all signed and numbered editions by the artist from 1988 onward.