Christian Gieraths

Christian Gieraths, a former student of Ulrich Erben and Thomas Ruff, uses a clear and precise visual language to explore urban spaces where time seems to stand still. His photographs are not meant for travel brochures but serve as echo chambers, capturing human absence while conveying a complex narrative of urban life and history. Instead of landmarks, Gieraths focuses on everyday spaces—staircases, lobbies, hospitals—creating images that delve into atmosphere and place without altering the scene.

The surfaces of objects become bearers of meaning, extending fleeting moments into timeless reflections through photography. Though devoid of people, the images are rich with traces of human presence, suggesting life lived just moments before. These spaces, especially those in Odessa, hold stories—real or imagined—that linger in the viewer’s mind. While aesthetics and the autonomy of the photographic image are paramount, the works retain a strong connection to the layered realities of history, ideology, and architecture.