Today, Andreas Gursky is known worldwide for his monumental photographs that capture our modern world in all its complexity and aesthetics. With precise image composition and a preference for large formats, he depicts themes such as mass consumption, globalisation and landscapes in a thought-provoking way. Works such as ‘99 Cent’ or ‘Rhein II’ are absolute cult objects and fetch millions at auction.
However, many people do not realise that Gursky's career began like that of many others: in 1984 he won the Kodak Young Talent Award! Yes, the master of digital post-processing was once honoured by one of the largest manufacturers of analogue films and then exhibited in a group exhibition at the first International Photoscene Festival.
Perhaps a small nod to history - but it shows that every great journey starts small somewhere.
Just under six months ago, a new documentary about Andreas Gursky by Ralph Goertz was released, which can be streamed here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/andreasgursky
1st place, group 1: Andreas Gursky, Dortmund
2nd place, group 1: Andreas Wurg
3rd place, group 1: Michael Teller, Georgsmarienhütte
1st place, group 2: Heinz Wohner, Dortmund
2nd place, group 2: Peter Rasch, Munich
3rd place, group 2: Celia Anastasia Schneider, Stuttgart
© Photos: Internationale Photoszene Köln, excerpts from the 1984 festival catalogue