DUSSELDORF.- The newly inaugurated Malkastenforum, the latest addition to the Künstlerverein Malkasten in Düsseldorf, opened its doors with a tribute to the renowned contemporary photographer Thomas Ruff. The exhibition, which centered on Ruff's homage to Düsseldorf, took visitors on a visual journey through the city's cultural landscape of the 1980s.

Highlights of the Exhibition

At the heart of the exhibition were Ruff’s iconic portrait photographs of young artists from the 1980s. These frontal-view images evoked passport photos but were magnified to such a scale that their proportions disoriented the viewer. Alongside these portraits, the exhibition featured architectural images of Düsseldorf buildings from the same era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city's aesthetic from 35 years ago.

The exhibition also showcased Ruff’s exploration of various artistic genres, including portraiture, architectural photography, and nudes. Known for his relentless pursuit of new sources of inspiration, Ruff drew from a variety of mediums and archives throughout his career—ranging from NASA’s archives to internet imagery and vintage press photos.

A Psychedelic Twist: The "d.o.pe" Series

One of the exhibition's standout works was Ruff’s latest series, "d.o.pe," inspired by Aldous Huxley’s The Doors of Perception. These vibrant, psychedelic images were reminiscent of 1960s album covers yet rooted in fractal patterns generated by computer programs. Printed on velour carpets, the series combined vivid colors with a tactile dimension, creating an immersive visual and material experience.

Thomas Ruff: A Master of Contemporary Photography

Born in 1958 in Zell am Harmersbach, Ruff is considered one of the most influential photographers of our time. After studying under the legendary Bernd Becher at the Düsseldorf Art Academy from 1977 to 1985, Ruff succeeded his mentor as head of the Free Art and Photography program from 2000 to 2006. His contributions to the art world were further recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Ruff continues to live and work in Düsseldorf, maintaining close ties to the city that shaped his artistic journey.