Thomas Struth

Thomas Struth was born on October 5, 1954, in Geldern, Germany. He is a celebrated photographer known for his detailed and large-scale photographs of urban scenes, family portraits, and cultural sites. Struth’s work captures the relationship between human beings and their built environment.

In October 1973, Struth enrolled at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he initially studied painting with Peter Kleemann and Gerhard Richter. Later, he pursued photography under the tutelage of Bernd and Hilla Becher, who were known for their documentary photography style, which had a significant influence on Struth's artistic development.

Thomas Struth held his first solo exhibition in June 1980 at P.S.1 in New York City. The exhibition showcased his early black-and-white photographs of streets and architecture, particularly from Düsseldorf and New York. This exhibition marked Struth's emergence on the international art scene and was critical for establishing his reputation as a leading contemporary photographer.

In 1991, Struth published a significant monograph titled "Museum Photographs." This series, which he began in the late 1980s, captures visitors in famous museums and art institutions around the world. The works analyze the way people engage with art and the museum space, and have been exhibited widely, contributing greatly to his acclaim.

In October 1993, Struth began his renowned 'Family Portraits' series. These portraits explore the dynamics and intimacy of family units across different cultures and have been praised for their depth and realism. The project was a departure from his urban and architectural photography, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

In May 1997, a retrospective exhibition of Struth’s work was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This exhibition highlighted his significant contributions to modern photography, featuring a diverse array of works from various series, including his early street scenes, family portraits, and museum photographs.

In September 2010, Whitechapel Gallery in London held an exhibition titled "Thomas Struth: Photographs" that showcased his extensive body of work. The exhibition included over 70 photographs from the early 1970s to recent productions, providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution and highlighting his keen observation of urban and natural environments.

In June 2011, Thomas Struth received the Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society, a prestigious award recognizing his outstanding contribution to the art of photography. The fellowship honors photographers who have made significant impacts on the field and acknowledges Struth’s innovative and influential body of work.

In October 2021, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston displayed Thomas Struth's exhibition "Nature & Politics," featuring his work that probes the intersection of advanced technology and the natural world. The exhibition included large-scale photographs taken at research laboratories, operating theaters, and industrial sites around the world, capturing the intricate relationship between humans and technology.

In May 2023, Thomas Struth was awarded the Max-Beckmann Prize, a distinguished prize awarded by the city of Frankfurt. This accolade celebrates artists who demonstrate artistic quality and expressiveness akin to that of Max Beckmann. Struth received it for his exceptional contributions to contemporary photography and for the impact of his diverse body of work.