It is the interpersonal with all its shortcomings that fascinates Wolfgang Tillmans. He sees the acceptance of the fragility that defines us as individuals and our interpersonal relationships as a strength. He uses failures, ruptures and fragility as an impetus to develop new processes. They point to the imperfect nature of our lives and reveal unsuspected perspectives on life's materiality. In this sense, 'Fragile' refers to the precious moments of life and the value of social and family ties, especially in times of social and political instability.
Tillmans's artistic work is based on an irrepressible curiosity, intensive preparatory research and continual engagement with the technical and aesthetic potential of the medium of photography. His visual language is characterized by a close observation that opens up a deeply humane approach to our surroundings. Familiarity and empathy, friendship, community and closeness can be seen and felt in his pictures.
The exhibition presents the multifaceted art of Wolfgang Tillmans and shows about 200 works from the years 1986 to 2018. The exhibition includes large-format prints, smaller photographic prints, sculptural objects and table installations, and also video projections and publication projects.
With over 20 touring exhibitions currently travelling across the globe and with its diverse event programmes on contemporary art, the ifa links the German art scene with internationally active cultural creators and forms cooperations and networks. The projects, many of which were developed in co-creation with local partners, cover the various disciplines of modern and contemporary fine arts – from current themes in architecture, photography and design to Bauhaus and monographic exhibitions such as Rosemarie Trockel or Wolfgang Tillmans. These projects generate local meeting platforms and allow international perspectives on topics of global relevance. The ifa also provides loan exhibits to interested museums.
![[Translate to english:] Ein Hirsch und ein Mensch stehen sich gegenüber.](/fileadmin/_processed_/f/c/csm_ifa_WolfgangTillmans_1995-Deer-Hirsch_03e0c56070.jpg "[Translate to english:] Wolfgang Tillmans, Deer Hirsch, 1995")
