Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Elger Esser Biography
Elger Esser is a renowned German landscape photographer whose work is characterized by its serene, contemplative quality and its evocation of the sublime. Born on May 11, 1967, in Stuttgart, Germany, Esser spent his formative years in Rome, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of European landscapes. This early exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Europe would later become a significant influence on his artistic practice.
In 1986, Esser moved to Düsseldorf, Germany, where he initially worked as a commercial photographer. His career took a decisive turn in 1991 when he enrolled at the prestigious Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. There, he studied under the influential photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher, who were known for their systematic documentation of industrial structures. The Bechers' conceptual approach and their emphasis on the objective representation of their subjects left a lasting impression on Esser. However, while he absorbed their rigorous methodology, Esser's own work diverged from their documentary aesthetics, favoring instead a more lyrical and introspective depiction of landscapes.
Esser's education at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf was a period of intense artistic development. He became a master class student and honed his distinctive style, which often involves the use of large-format cameras to capture the vastness and tranquility of European lowlands. His photographs are marked by low horizon lines, pale luminous colors, and expansive skies, reminiscent of Dutch landscape paintings from the 17th century and early 19th-century photography. Esser's landscapes are almost entirely unpeopled, inviting viewers to engage with the stillness and the timeless quality of the scenes he portrays.
After completing his studies in 1997, Esser's career as an artist began to flourish. His work has been the subject of numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, and he has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Rheinischer Kunstpreis and the Oskar Schlemmer Prize. From 2006 to 2009, Esser also shared his expertise as a professor of photography at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design.
Esser's photographs are not mere representations of geographical locations; they are, as he describes, 'internal landscapes' that transcend their physical settings. His images resonate with both the past and present, often named after their locations but imbued with a universality that speaks to shared human experiences and memories. This quality is particularly evident in his series "Morgenland," which features luminous and unpeopled landscapes of the Middle East, captured between 2004 and 2015. The series presents a vision of the region that contrasts sharply with the often tumultuous images conveyed by the mainstream media.
In his practice, Esser frequently revisits the historical relationship between painting and photography. He is known for his exploration of early photographic processes and materials, such as heliogravure and silver gelatin prints. His recent works have seen him experiment with printing photographs on silver-coated copper plates, a technique that adds a unique luminosity to his images and references the work of 17th-century German artist Adam Elsheimer.
Esser's photographs are held in major public collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work has been published in numerous monographs, further cementing his status as a significant figure in contemporary photography.
Today, Elger Esser continues to live and work in Düsseldorf, Germany. His ongoing engagement with the landscape as a subject matter reflects a deep commitment to exploring the emotional and psychological dimensions of space and place. Through his evocative images, Esser invites viewers to contemplate the beauty and stillness of the natural world, offering a respite from the chaos of modern life and a space for reflection and introspection.
Elger Esser Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: