Dan

Wolfgang Tillmans has said “When photographing people I often look for a coexistence of vulnerability and strength, which is how I would define beauty.”1

In this life-size portrait, Tillmans has cleverly played with perspective. Before us is a lean, muscular young man who at first glance appears to be bent forward balancing on one leg, with arm outstretched. However, on closer observation it is evident that the photograph was taken from above and that Dan is standing on his left leg with his right leg supported on the wall. To further challenge our visual perception, Tillmans has used green undertones, cool light and a soft-focus background to illuminate the figure. His pale skin and red hair push him to the foreground as if he is about to topple out of the frame, towards the viewer. The withholding of contextual information compounds the fascination of the photograph: What is the relationship between Dan and the photographer? Is this a staged shoot or some other scenario?

1. Wolfgang Tillmans, 'Wolfgang Tillmans at the Walker Art Gallery', Arts Council of England, London 2010 (colour illus.) no pagination