drive in theatre, 2009 image © thomas wrede

nature became landscape long ago.

since the romantic period, landscape has furthermore become an aesthetic position. german artist thomas wrede‘s photorealistic representation extended through staging and intervention combines the natural beauty of landscapes with constructed miniature models. in doing this, the scenic outdoors photographed in this manner appear seductively plausible and exaggerate the romantic projection.

thomas wrede : real landscapes bolzplatz, 2008 image © thomas wrede

thomas wrede : real landscapes beach hotel, 2008 image © thomas wrede

thomas wrede : real landscapes high altitude house, 2005 image © thomas wrede

thomas wrede : real landscapes settlement with a road, 2005 image © thomas wrede

thomas wrede : real landscapes settlement in the sun image © thomas wrede

what is landscape for the modern human being?

thomas wrede’s photography is part of a group show, together with the work of peter dreher, friederike jokisch and josef schulz. the exhibition is entitled ‘open landscape’ and will be shown at the gallery wagner and partner in berlin from tomorrow, may 21 to july 31, 2010. the thematic exhibition provides a juxtaposition of multigenerational photographic and pictorial approaches to the above question. the reference point for all participating artists is the ‘real’ landscape.