Candida Höfer is a German photographer known for her large-scale colour images of empty architectural interiors, which capture the relationship between public spaces and the human experience. If you're looking for original Candida Höfer prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.
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Born on 4 February 1944 in Eberswalde, Germany, Candida Höfer has made a lasting impact in Contemporary photography through her large-format images that reflect architectural interiors. A member of the Düsseldorf School, she honed her skills under the tutelage of renowned artists Bernd and Hilla Becher at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. Initially focused on portrait photography, Höfer transitioned to public spaces, particularly libraries and museums. The absence of human figures in her work evokes an eerie sense of reflection.
Höfer's photographic journey is rooted in her fascination with designed environments and the feelings they invoke. This transition from portraiture to capturing empty interiors serves as a commentary on the functionality of these spaces and the emotional traces they carry. By immortalising the stillness of these settings, she invites viewers to ponder their own experiences within such environments, emphasising how architecture influences human sentiment.
Höfer's career is characterised by significant exhibitions and contributions to the field of photography. Her 1997 c-print titled Deutsche Bucherei Leipzig IX (1997), demonstrates her ability to convey emotion through architectural detail and composition. The absence of people in these images fosters a quiet atmosphere, allowing viewers to engage with the spaces themselves.
Her work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, including the Venice Biennale and various solo shows across Europe and the United States. Höfer's photographs are held in prestigious collections, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Canada.
Throughout her career, Höfer has remained committed to exploring themes of emptiness and architectural grandeur. Her work reflects a emotive engagement with the spaces she captures, revealing how they are designed to interact with the public. Through her meticulous composition and attention to detail, she has cultivated a distinctive photographic language.
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