Juergen Teller
Juergen Teller’s work in the realm of fashion photography is unmistakable, defined by its raw starkness and often unconventional exposure. Known for incorporating himself into his photographs, frequently in various states of undress, Teller has developed a signature style that blurs the lines between fashion photography and personal expression. His collaboration with Marc Jacobs from 1998 to 2014 remains one of the most iconic partnerships in fashion, capturing the essence of celebrities like Kurt Cobain, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, and David Hockney.
Teller’s journey into photography began with his move from Germany to London in 1986, initially focusing on album artwork for artists including Björk and Morrissey. His breakthrough in fashion photography came with a bold cover for Süddeutsche Zeitung Magazine in 1996, featuring Kristen McMenamy nude with “Versace” etched across her chest. This marked the beginning of a career that would see his work featured in leading publications like The Face, Vogue across its American, French, British, and Italian editions, Another Magazine, and i-D, among others. Teller has also collaborated with major fashion houses such as Helmut Lang, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, and Céline, continually contributing to the industry while also exploring art photography and academia.
Teller’s approach is rebellious, often challenging the norms of commercial photography without compromising his unique aesthetic. This defiance has earned him widespread acclaim, including the Citibank photography prize in 2003. In 2007, he was chosen to represent Ukraine at the 52nd Venice Biennale alongside four other artists, showcasing the global recognition of his work.
His exhibitions, both solo and group, have been hosted in major cities worldwide, including London, Vienna, and Berlin, with some of his pieces becoming part of the permanent collections at prestigious institutions like the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Beyond photography, Teller has ventured into videography, directing notable works such as “Can I Own Myself” in 1998 and “Dieter” in 2017, further expanding his creative horizons and influence in the world of visual arts.
