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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Thomas Ruff: Metaphotography

Thomas Ruff, Neg Marey 02, 2016.

May 14 – Aug 28, 2022
Rue Fernand Léger, 42270 Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France

“Photography quickly came to be used in a prejudicial way,” explains the German photographer Thomas Ruff, “losing its innocence and consequently its ability to communicate.” Focusing on the grammar of photography, Ruff moves between a broad range of photographic genres to show how a medium that supposedly captures the truth can actually distort it. His approach is sometimes called “meta-photography.” Here, 17 of his series, including the new “Bonfils” (2022), are on view, uncovering hidden realities. —Elena Clavarino