Struth, Thomas (German), The Smith Family, Fife, Scotland, 1989 Research Paper

Struth, Thomas (German), The Smith Family, Fife, Scotland, 1989 - Research Paper Example Today, Struth is recognized as among the very first photographers who heralded contemporary German photography. Struth has had many of his works exhibited in Museums and other exhibition centers around the world. The most recent project which has further boosted his profile is his portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, the portrait was part of a collection taken to commemorate the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee. At the beginning of his photography career, Struth became popular for his â€Å"Unconscious Places† photographs; these represented cityscapes completely devoid of life. Part of this collection was on display until November at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Recently, Struth had an interview with O’ Haghan a reporter with the Guardian newspaper. In this interview, Struth described his preference of photography to painting and also explained the inspiration behind his first photographs which represented skyscrapers. In the interview he explained that he made huge â€Å"super-realist photographic paintings†, these never greatly appealed to him and felt they were somehow stupid. This displeasure informed his preference for photography, his tutors and mentors at the time, Richter and Bernd Becher also preferred his photography. Struth’s initial photographs were of his own city, he took photographs of Dusseldorf’s streets and buildings. He explained that his emphasis on building arose from an inquiry on how history would find its place in our current lives, further; he wondered how architecture represents humanity. In answering these questions he found his style and methodology. Just like every artist, Struth’s photographs depict an individual who is largely reactive to the environment around him. This also includes the people he meets and interacts with. He is one who draws great inspiration from life and structures around him. In his own words, the subject of his photographs arises from a need to talk about