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Battlefields of WW II-Berlin: 1945 and today
Thomas Reuhl
When we walk through the streets of Berlin, we rarely remember that in April and May of 1945 thousands of people, civilians and soldiers, died under the totalitarian regime of the Nazis. Mostly we see the modern city, some monuments remind us of the past. Thomas Reuhl searched the archives for pictures of the battlefields in Berlin and went to the same places. He took pictures of modern Berlin from the same perspective and made collages that allow the viewer to dive into the past. The aim is to raise awareness of how thin the layer between the past and present sometimes is.
Thomas Reuhl
Physician, scientist, artist. I am observing the things around me and ask the question "why". Why do things look like this, why do people behave like this, why do things change, why are things not changing? Exploring new fields, being constantly inconsistent, that's my life.
What is a good design for you?
I can't tell what the ingredients for a good picture are. It's like good music, it just has to give you a good feeling. Or it makes you think. I always see it as a whole: Either it fits or it doesn't.
What was the most challenging experience during your studies?
The most challenging thing during my studies was when I was standing with a Donald Trump mask in several very touristy places taking self-portraits. It was interesting to see the reactions.
Who or what inspires you?
I am always looking around to catch the moment. Being more on the documentary side, being a humorous guy, and sarcastic at the same time, I depict the crazyness, the madness, whatever matches my mood. I love Jack Johnson and his music, or the other way around.
How do you approach a new project?
I see things and think: "Hey, what's that?" Then I take a picture or two hundred and the project starts to develop. I do a lot of research when the project starts rolling, but I don't like to fill a theoretical framework. Life changes often, things change, I am always open to changes.
What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?
Be open-minded, get out of yourself, get to know another side of yourself and explore everything. Be desperate to take a picture every day and stick to your ideas and ideals.
Why did you choose to study in your programme?
I am taking photos since the world was still in b/w and analogue. Going with the flow of life, the waves flushed me to the beach of photography. I was desperate to understand more about it and to look behind the scenes. And I did...
What are you not going to miss in your studies?
The deadlines...
How are you going to celebrate your graduation?
A big party with everyone, once that "C" is done.
2 comments in total
Very interesting work! Congratulations
Very interesting work! Congratulations