Artist Entry #5: Juergen Teller

"I depended heavily on the model’s personality; at least, I wanted to depend on this because I’m interested in personal reactions." -Teller

Juergen Teller was born in 1964 in Erlangen, Germany. He studied photography at a school in Munich and left Germany to avoid national service and to learn English. He began photographing such celebrities as Elton John and Kurt Cobain. His work has been featured in such magazines as The Face, Vogue, W, and Details. His work has been showcased in solo exhibits in such places as Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Bologna and shown in group form at prestigious places as the 52nd Venice Biennale. His style moved away from the perfection and glamor of the 80s to a more raw and more personal place. He photographed many models in intimate settings that showed a comfort with the photographer and a comfort in a natural, normal surrounding. Teller has worked on many fashion ad campaigns and has worked alongside Vivienne Westwood and Mark Jacobs on extended projects. His personal work acts as an autobiographical venture into his life. He tends to photograph actual events in his life and the people that appear in it. One of his works is titled "Kate after her 25th Birthday at the Ritz." The images have a personal flare involving comfort, hedonism, and glamor. It looks as though he has uncovered the underbelly of the fashion world that he partakes in.

Artist Website: http://www.designboom.com/portrait/teller_biography.html

Gallery Website: http://www.lehmannmaupin.com/#/artists/juergen-teller/

Artist Interview: http://www.indexmagazine.com/interviews/juergen_teller.shtml

Topic #4: Medici Family History

"Although politically ruthless, Cosimo was highly cultured and promoted letters and arts as well as the Tuscan economy and navy. "

The Medici family traces back to the end of the 12th century in Florence, Italy where they began as part of the patrician class. They were always seen as friends to the common people. Their wealth was amassed mostly in the 13th century through banking and commerce, which brought about more political power. In the 14th century, the gonfaliere, a high ceremonial officer, Salvestro de Medici led the common people in a revolt and became the de facto dictator of the city. He was banished for his cruel regime. Then, Giovanni di Bicci de Medici restored their name and their wealth to the point where they were possibly the wealthiest family in all of Europe. His line continued through many nobleman that became high officials in the government. Many of the members became leaders through wealth, power, and popularity. However, most of their reigns were characterized by a brutal tyranny with a mix of patronage to culture and the arts. They were often banished and invited back by the provocation of the Spanish. Their history is tumultuous, but they continue to be known as one of the most prolific families to donate to and support the arts.

http://galileo.rice.edu/gal/medici.html