Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Candida Hofer Biography
Candida Höfer is a distinguished German photographer, celebrated for her large-scale color images of empty interiors that capture the essence and atmosphere of public and semi-public spaces. Born on February 4, 1944, in Eberswalde, Province of Brandenburg, Germany, Höfer's early life was marked by the influence of her father, Werner Höfer, a well-known German journalist. Her initial foray into the world of art began with her studies at the Kölner Werkschulen (Cologne Academy of Fine and Applied Arts) from 1964 to 1968. After graduation, she embarked on a career as a portrait photographer for newspapers, where she produced a series on Liverpudlian poets.
Höfer's artistic journey took a significant turn when she worked as an assistant to Werner Bokelberg in Hamburg from 1970 to 1972, during which she studied daguerreotypes, an early photographic process. This period was crucial in shaping her understanding of the medium and its possibilities. In 1973, she enrolled at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, initially studying film under Ole John and later, from 1976, photography under Bernd Becher. It was here that Höfer, alongside fellow students such as Thomas Ruff, began to use color in her work, initially showing it as slide projections.
Her early work in black-and-white photography, such as the 'Flipper' series from 1973, showcased photo-collages of pinball machines, capturing the essence of arcades and pubs. However, it was her 'Türken in Deutschland' (Turks in Germany) series from 1973 to 1979 that marked a significant shift in her approach. This series documented Turkish migrant families in Germany, reflecting on the impact of interior spaces on people and vice versa. This project also marked her transition to color photography, which she found more fitting for her work.
Höfer's fascination with the interaction between people and their environments led her to focus on photographing the interiors of public buildings such as offices, banks, and waiting rooms. Her work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, symmetry, and the architectural elements of the spaces she captures. The absence of people in her photographs allows the viewer to contemplate the function and design of these spaces, as well as their historical and cultural significance.
Throughout her career, Höfer has taught as a professor at the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Karlsruhe from 1997 to 2000 and has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2018 Outstanding Contribution to Photography award from the Sony World Photography Awards. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale in 2003, where she represented Germany alongside Martin Kippenberger.
Höfer's photographs are held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, Kunsthalle Basel, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, and Tate Modern in London. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at major museums and galleries across Europe and the United States.
Candida Höfer's approach to photography is deeply influenced by her teachers, Bernd and Hilla Becher, who were known for their systematic documentation of industrial architecture. Like the Bechers, Höfer's work is marked by an emphasis on formal qualities and emotional detachment. Her photographs, often taken with a large-format camera, prioritize symmetry and composition, transforming interiors into objective models of themselves.
Höfer's work extends beyond mere documentation; it captures the character and atmosphere of spaces, devoid of human presence. Her standardized approach to photography allows for a harmonious presentation of diverse architectural styles. Her large-scale photos often have a cavernous, imposing quality, inviting viewers to reflect on how architecture influences and guides human movement and interaction.
Today, Candida Höfer continues to live and work in Cologne, Germany, where she remains a pivotal figure in contemporary photography. Her work not only documents the grandeur and subtleties of architectural spaces but also invites contemplation on the relationship between humans and their constructed environments.
Candida Hofer 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
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
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