COTE DE TEXAS: The Hottest Photographer Going

The Hottest Photographer Going

 

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The latest Town and Country magazine has a spread on the gorgeous house of Cosima von Bulow.   Her living room is especially beautiful, with its cranberries and blues.   But it’s the photograph over the sofa that really got my attention.   Taken by Candida Hofer – she is the hottest thing in upscale decorating according to the design magazines out this month.  I counted three of her photos used by different designers just this month alone.  When was the last time that happened? 

 

 

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Here’s #2 - in October’s Elle Décor – Frederic Fekkai’s dining room featured a photograph by Candida Hofer, interior design by Robert Couturier.  Notice how large the photographs are.   In recent years, Hofer’s photographs have gotten bigger and bigger.

 

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And #3, in the latest Veranda, this apartment by Timothy Whealon featured a Candida Hofer photograph on the landing.  Notice the gorgeous walnut door!  Whealon told All The Best Blog that his most prized possession was a Hofer photograph HERE.   Three magazines, one month, three houses – all Candida Hofer. 

 

 

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The Trinity Library – Whealon’s most prized possession is this photograph.

 

 

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And, a little different angle from Whealon’s web site – showing the photograph more clearly.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Museum of Archeology in Venice – this is the photograph in Whealon’s Veranda spread.

 

 

 

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Looking through a few older magazines showed evidence of more Candida Hofer:   Jill Stuart’s NYC apartment by Annabelle Selldorf – seen in Elle Décor, October 2009.  The Hofer photograph is seen behind the sofa on the left.

 

 

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Seen in Metropolitan Home – a Hofer photograph over the mantel.   It’s almost impossible to figure out which photograph this is.

 

 

 

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And another Hofer of an Opera Theatre, seen in a dining room.

 

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Elizabeth Mayhew also talked to Ronda of All The Best Blog – HERE.   Her most prized possession is her art work, including this Candida Hofer library photograph.

 

 

So, who is Candida Hofer who has attracted the attention of so many of the finest interior designers and art collectors?   Born in Germany, Hofer trained under avant garde German photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher.    She first gained notice with her series on “Interiors,”  “Rooms,” and “Zoological Gardens.”   While her early work showed exteriors and people, her later work became increasing devoid of people and featured interiors exclusively.   She says she does not do landscapes.   Her later, most famous work concentrates on libraries, theatres, museums, and a series of works in Italy, all published in gorgeous coffee table books. 

 

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The artist stands in front of two of photographs.

 

I am not an art critic, but I know what I like – and her images of public buildings are beautiful.  Always taken from a dead on perspective, the interiors seem so alive, though not a soul is captured.     I can see how this contemporary art work works so well in interiors that are neither strictly contemporary nor traditional.     But, the art does seem much more at home in a New York highrise than a Texas ranch in Round Top.   There is much written about Hofer on the internet, if you are interested in perusing it.   I had a field day reading all about her in detail.  Most of the reviews are positive, there is very little negative written about her work.    Below are some of my favorite images – most are rather recent works, as opposed to her earlier, more stark and depressing subjects. 

 

 

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Le Louvre – Candida Hofer did a series of photographs at the famous Paris museum.

 

 

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Another photograph from the Louvre Museum

 

 

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Salone di Castel Capuano, detto anche “Salone dei Busti”

 

 

 

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Palais Garnier

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And, Palais Garnier set for a dinner.  

 

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Her photographs of libraries are spectacular.  Here, Naples.  This would make such a stunning image in a living room or library. 

 

 

 

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The gorgeous Abbey of the Library at Saint Gallin.  A rare photograph that includes people in it. 

 

 

 

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The State Library in Naples.  Incredible building. 

 

 

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Naples State Library – another view.  What a gorgeous library, the tiled floor, the carved wood shelves.  Beautiful.

 

 

 

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This library has beautiful marble floors and carved wood columns.

 

 

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Philadelphia Library.

 

 

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Amazing.  The books are so incredible.  I couldn’t resist showing this image so large, you can see so much more detail this way!  Look at the handrails!    Remember, put your monitor on maximum view.   

 

 

 

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Hofer has taken many photographs of beautiful theatres, here - The Theatre of Naples.  Gorgeous!  Another photograph that I can see in a living room or a dining room, especially in a room with dark blue velvet.  

 

 

 

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Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

 

 

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Masonic  Temple in Philadelphia.

 

 

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Theatre royal de la MonnaieKoninklijke Muntschouwburg

 

 

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What does one cost?  I don’t know, but in 2006 – this signed photograph of which there are six, sold for $90,000.00.  Yikes!

 

 

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By contrast, this lithograph, of which there are 100, sells for around $4,000 – much more affordable!

 

 

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1976, a series of Turkish workers,  included people, of course – something her work never shows today.

 

 

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In my opinion, not all of Hofer’s photographs would be as desirable to hang in an elegant dining room as others.  Some of  her work is depressing or unattractive – not nearly as beautiful as a photograph of a Venice museum.

 

 

Other Photographers:

 

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What if you can’t afford an original Hofer?   Photographer Don Menges took this shot of the Monroe County office, emulating the style of Candida Hofer.  I’m sure his work goes for a fraction of what an Hofer does.  Look at more of his work HERE.

 

 

 

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Other photographers that designers like to use:    Here Miles Redd used a Andrew Moore photograph on the right in this apartment.

 

 

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Two Thomas Struth photographs flank an Andreas Gursky photograph in this Metropolitan Home feature story.  Struth and Gursky are both peers of Hofer and they all studied together under Bernd and Hilla Becher.

 

 

 

 

 

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This photographer is shown a lot - David Armstrong.   The blurry images are confusing to me. 

 

 

 

Candida Hofer Books:

Here are a few of her more popular books – order from Amazon by clicking on the title:

 

The book on the Bologna, Italy series:

 

The gorgeous book of libraries:

 

The book on the Naples, Italy photographs:

 

And finally – Candida Hofer’s most acclaimed work – Architecture of Absence:

 

 

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AND – WHOA!!!!   The new Elle Décor features Suzanne Rheinstein’s pied a terre in NYC.  It’s beyond gorgeous.  The gray murals are unbelievable.   Just look at them!!!   And those gilt French chairs.   The velvet stools.   SWOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    This apartment also stars in her new book.  I got my book today and it’s a killer if you love Suzanne.  First – this apartment is shown, along with her own L.A. house showing rooms never seen before.  Her most famous job – the Virginia house - is also shown – the master bedroom has been UPDATED!!!!!!   Many of the houses have been seen before, but each shows newly refurbished updates and never seen before rooms.  The book is fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Her choices of antiques floors me – the chairs, the tables, the accessories, the mirrors, it’s all mostly French, a little Swedish, a little Italian and a little English.  GAWD.  Kill me now!!!!   I want this apartment.  Seriously.   I want this!!!!!     AND Suzanne is scheduled for the Skirted Roundtable, along with David Easton, Haskell Harris, Kathryn Ireland, and Chris Madden.   What a line up!!!!     To order the Rheinstein book,  go here:

Click on the title below:

 

 

NOTE:     I will be having a fabulous giveaway in the next few days – be sure to watch for it!!!!!

64 comments :

  1. Well, here I am again in the middle of the night catching your latest. I know I had seen that blue bench with the tiny floor lamps..you reminded me it was in Veranda. I've only looked through that new issue once and didn't really pick up on the photography on the wall. There are so many details to see that it takes me a while to analyze it all.

    Thank you so much for making me aware of this great artist and for her viewpoint on exquisite architecture. Trinity Library is my favorite. Seeing these striking pictures will help me appreciate the art photography that I own. Really, reading your blog is as educational as any design or art history classes I have taken.

    Thanks again.

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  2. This is the best post ever! I wish I could own one of those fabulous photographs.
    Thank you for showing us this work. Stunning.

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  3. After a long day as a Mommy to twin 7 month olds, your blog is the eye candy I need to close my day. I figure it is long overdue for me to express some gratitude given the hours of enjoyment I have reaped from your wonderful blog! Thank you! Merci!

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  4. Thank-you for your posts, always a portal to another life, another view, another fascinating view ~ What stunning work. The detail and symmetry would add a view to any room. I must tell my photography friend-
    she will be inspired no doubt.
    pve

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  5. Those photographs are just AMAZING! And I can't wait to get my copy of Suzanne Rheinstein's book.

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  6. Joni,
    What a fantastic post and so many wonderful introductions and sources!

    The library photos...all of them are just beautiful and perfect. If I owned one, I would probably never sit in any room other than the room one hung in!

    I love SR's apartment too...just got my issue yesterday...probably stared at that photo for an hour!

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  7. This has to be one of my all time favorite posts of yours!! I have noticed her work before but never all together like this - what an incredibly impressive oeuvre! There are so many amazing aspects of her work - you pointed out the perspective. The light and detail are also extraordinary. I would have been happy just seeing Hofer's work and then the little surprise at the end - how come I don't have my Elle Decor yet??!!

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  8. Her art work makes you feel you can walk right into the picture. It brings life into the room and expands the space. Truly talented photographer. Great post as usual. You never disappoint. Thank you again.

    Janice
    Pemaquid

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  9. Excellent post. Love the photography; brings you right to the place. Bon continuation! Iris.

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  10. Wow, wow, wow!

    This is by far my favorite CDT post of all time! And trust me, I started reading way back when.

    Hofer is one of my favorite artists and her work shows so beautifully in all manner of interiors.

    I love the complitation here.
    You've done such a great job of showcasing rich and stunning examples of her work, with just enough background info to get readers itching for more.
    Bravo, Bravo, so well done ;)

    Cheers, Alcira

    thenerochronicles.blogspot.com

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  11. I have to say, I just love your blog. Your pics are so big and just fabulous. Content is great too and always original, which you don't see in a lot of blogs.

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful pics.

    Hope you will stop by some time.
    CC
    http://currentlychic.com

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  12. Hi Joni,

    Guess who... Michelle!

    Had to comment on this latest posting. Really beautiful and fun to see something so fresh and creative. Looks like the artist has a r a n g e -- but I agree with you that some are sad looking.

    The library photo remind me of this short video I found once. The photographer captures images of architecture... tweaks it a bit too: http://vimeo.com/7809605

    Did you ever see this?

    Take care- doing a great job,
    M

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  13. The Rheinstein photo is jaw dropping! I am adding her book to my wish list for Christmas - the boys never know what to get me - and I can't imagine a nicer way to wind down after the holidays.

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  14. Joni, this was your best post ever -- I hope you realize what an educator you are. I had a friend recently ask me where I drew my inspiration or where I learned the most for design - Your blog was at the top of my answer! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this - You must be one of those tireless kinds :)!

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  15. Joni: Great post! Her work is so..regal. The world is certainly full of beautiful things and beautiful places, and Hofer has captured the essense of profound interiors. How could we ever be satified with mediocrity after seeing such! Your majesty, you do fine work!

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  16. The images are probably blurred in that last photograph because they either could not identify or get permission from the artist to show them. Just read about this in an article regarding posting of photos on blogs and copyright issues. Very informative post..thanks

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  17. Outrageously gorgeous post, Joni!
    My favorites are the photographs of Palais Garnier. Such a talented artist. I will definitely order a book. Would make a lovely gift too.
    Have a nie day.
    Teresa

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  18. I love this concept, and have been loving for a while now. It's so simple, but so clever. Works too with other enlarged images.

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  19. Hofer's photographs and Suzanne Rheinstein -- could anything be more wonderful? TY for another mouth-watering post.

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  20. In response to diane's comment above:

    David Armstrong's photographs are just as the one in the post appears, soft-focus and blurry; it's his signature style.

    There may be cases where a publication blurs out a photograph in a photograph due to copyright issues, but this isn't one of them.

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  21. I had seen the images of Cosima von Bulow's apartment in T&C (what a "get"for Stephen Drucker!) and wondered about the beautiful photo and here you are with all the details!

    You are a treasure, Joni. Thank you for all your work.

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  22. Again Joni I ask...where do you find the time? Two amazing research projects in a row, Easton and Hofer. The libraries are so grand... and the image that sold for $90 thou, I'd love to see that place in person.

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  23. Indeed, what a great issue of Elle Decor.
    Did you even notice that Houston is covered in the issue and lists numerous Houston landmarks and shops?
    Would be nice to let your readers know that, too.

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  24. Joni every single image is a work of grand art!!

    I have a Luxurious New Giveaway on my site....Come and enter!!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  25. I have not used much photography as art - these are exquisite. Such a mystery to me how they can capture these images. btw, wanted to let you know I put a link in my blog back to your "Updating your Home" post a few days back. So intrigued with painting the trim color the same as the wall color...

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  26. What a wonderful post, these photographers (all of them) are truly inspiring!

    Kat :)

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  27. Such a terrific compilation. Can't wait for Rheinstein's book so was glad to have your review.

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  28. Those are amazing photographs! The libraries are my favorite and I know my husband would love a photograph for Christmas…until you told us the price! Wholly cow! So I think I’ll order him the book instead. Her architectural pieces are amazing! Oh to have such an eye! Thank you for sharing her gift with us.

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  29. Great observation to pick up on this. Her photo of the Trinity Library in Dublin is my favorite. I've had the joy to stand in that hall on 3 separate visits and I think the photo communicates the reverant, spiritual feeling of that space.

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  30. Thank you for this great write up! I have noticed these great photographs in Interior Design Magazines, but never really looked into who the photographer was.... Thank you for sharing!!

    Northern Light

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  31. You are the ultimate teacher! loved this post. Miss you...how is Lizzy doing at school?

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  32. I'm still amazed that Cosima von Bulow is grown up with a place of her own.

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  33. Absolutely fabulous photos. The libraries are my favorite. Loving Suzanne Rheinstein's apartment. Will definitely order her new book. Another great post.

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  34. That photo of the Trinity Libray is to die for!

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  35. Great post Joni. I've long admired the Bechers, and Gursky, and now I've got a new book to add to the Wishlist. In person, these photographs are mesmerizing. Also in this group, it seems to me are Robert Polidori's photos of Versailles and New Orleans.

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  36. I had seen the interiors shots - and loved them of course. But, I have to admit that I didn't really notice the photographs. Sometimes it takes someone else pointing something out for you to really....notice.

    I am practically in need of oxygen over these - the theatre in naples though...well, that's my fav.

    Knocked it out of the park with this one, Joni!!
    xo Elizabeth

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  37. Incredible post again, loved every single word and picture, hope you know how much we all appreciate the time you put into making our hearts skip a beat. I was just at the Louvre last year and sat on those benches, so that would be my picture of choice.

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  38. Joni, thank you again for your attention to detail, and for opening a whole new {to me}world of fabulous photographers. Seriously, those shots of the Louvre are divine. xo Lidy

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  39. Amazing post. I am behind on all my blog posts (reading them) but save them all until I catch up. I need to reread and go through these photos again. The photography is unbelieveable and the way these spaces were captured are breathtaking. So glad to be educated on this great photographer. Where were you when I was in interior design school?

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  40. I picked up a wide angle lens today. I've been to many of the places, now I have an excuse to go back.

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  41. This is so funny. My next blog post is her Library book. I ADORE her photography!!!!!

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  42. I saw some of Candida's work at art hamptons. Another luminous photographer whose work I fell in love with, is Michael Eastman. I think I'm going to skip cathedrals and visit fabulous libraries.
    Best,
    Liz

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  43. Thank you , thank you for this amazingly inspirational and in depth post on Candida's photography! To think that her transcendant work keeps getting larger and larger is very exciting - would love to see as a huge wall one day.

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  44. Joni,
    The photographs are wonderful and my favorites are of the libraries. Great post.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  45. Yes, I've noticed a lot of photographs in homes lately too. I love the museum photos but nearly fell off my chair when I saw the $90,000 price tag.

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  46. Dear Joni, This is a much overdue thank you note. I have been savoring your posts quietly for some time. You are so talented at research and choosing topics of great interest. Thank you too for the wealth of photographs you use to illustrate your topic.

    Michael Smith used a Candida Hofer print bedside in a room pictured in Domino June/July 2007. It inspired me to paint a large scale watercolor interior not unlike those of James Steinmeyer you referenced in your previous post! I had completed two paintings of the interiors of Oraneinbaum outside St. Petersburg before I researched Candida Hofer and discovered she was a photographer.

    I am just begining a 23" x 23" painting of an interior of the blue salon at Drottningholm.

    I hope the new advertising is profitable for you. I hope the blog will open many profitable doors for you. With it you have opened a door of inspiration for me.

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  47. God, you are so observant. You know, I noticed some of those same photos and thought "how odd - giant interior shots?"

    But I never thought twice about who did them and if they were interesting (I thought they were different but my brain didn't tune in enough to decide good or bad).

    You remind me that i need to slow down and listen to the things my brain sees. Someone once said if you quiet down and listen, your brain has a lot to tell you about yourself and the world.

    You are clearly paying attention...!!

    Love it xo Terri

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  48. Fascinating post Joni....was SO EXCITED to see you QUOTED IN HOUSE BEAUTIFUL!!! You rock Joni!!!
    (November issue page 119)

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  49. This is the best post Joni! So detailed, love it. The photography is simply stunning. Love the ones esp in the Louvre Museum.

    xo,
    cristin

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  50. I love her work and that of her mentors as well. She has an incredible eye for details. Seeing those rooms without people makes me appreciate the art and architecture much more without getting distracted.
    Amazing post and much research on your end!

    Thank you!
    Victoria

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  51. Thank you for this fabulous post. You put a lot of work into this. :) Much appreciated on this end.

    Candida Höfer is amazing. I love seeing her over-scaled photos of large and opulent interiors used in more contemporary residential settings.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

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  52. The images are beyond sublime. The books recommended are a must. What a beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you.

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  53. what an amazing collection of information. I love seeing the photos and the tear sheets of rooms with them in them. Really cool!

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  54. Excellent photographies. However, French design, hmmm - people in France by no means live in such huge rooms. Texan design, maybe.
    French design would be more interesting indeed. You see, there is this scale compromise between the size of average people and that of average rooms. THAT would be French design. Unless, of course, you only consider French the lifestyle of Ancien Régime feudals.

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  55. I love the vintage pale blue ceramic lamp! What beautiful things!!

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  56. Thanks for this post because I learned so much! I link to it in my blog Decor Arts Now. My post is on the Cullman & Kravis Dining Room at this year's Kips Bay which features a Hofer photograph. The post is dated today, Oct. 18, 2010
    Best, Lynn

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  57. Love the artist :-) Her work has been everywhere lately. I've been in most of those subjects and she just captures them so brilliantly. The library in Naples is incredibly gorgeous -but when I was there, they woudln't allow me to take photos and actually KICKED me out of the library for attempting! Naples is ROUGH.....

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  58. PROBLEM!
    Hi Joni, I have been looking for a decent china cabinet, one that has character, and one that does not look like a copy of all of those mahogany lacquered glass cabinets that weight 5 tons. I'm a cheapo, so I often look on ebay and craigslist for items, though it takes FOREVER to find something. I found a cabinet on craigslist, which I believe has potential, but my husband is adamant that it does not and that it sucks. Anyway I could send you the picture and you tell me what you think of it?

    Cao,

    Indy

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  59. Back again to let you know that this post was one of my favs this year!

    Happy New Year!

    xo,
    cristin

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