Lothar Detert
Lothar Detert is a photographer who embraces detours. Born in Sünderup near Flensburg, he initially pursued a career in mechanical engineering and international research projects. However, photography remained a constant presence throughout his life, serving as a quiet companion and a form of expression. He later made a conscious decision to pursue photography, completing a degree in the subject and finding a place in Husum on the North Sea coast where he could combine artistic work with commitment.
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His works can be classified as contemporary art with a focus on photography, a genre which views the medium as an independent form of expression. Since its establishment as an autonomous art form in the 20th century — especially in the 1960s and 1970s — staging, concepts and personal themes have naturally been integral to the genre. The result is not classic character studies, but rather deliberately composed portraits of figures in roles with props, masks or symbolic gestures. Much of it seems like an excerpt from a larger narrative.
The works exhibited at 10Fotos exemplify this approach. The visual language is clear and often frontal, with theatrical lighting. The backgrounds are simplified to make the subjects stand out. Some motifs appear unsettling, while others appear vulnerable or provocative. The focus is on identity, attributions and role models. The question arises again and again: 'Who are you — today?' Detert is more interested in playing with self-image and external image than in documentary portraiture. His photographs tell stories and ask questions. They challenge the viewer to take a stand.
His name is inextricably linked to the House of Photography. In a striking building in the outer harbour of Husum, he has created a space that transcends the mere confines of a studio. Studio, gallery, museum and seminar room all merge into one another. The House of Photography sees itself as a platform for contemporary artistic photography, welcoming different perspectives and freeing itself from stylistic dogmas. Lothar Detert regularly exhibits the work of international photographers and invites visitors to workshops, seminars and exhibitions. The focus is on the exchange of ideas between different generations, amateurs and professionals, and photographic approaches.
Lothar has created a valuable cultural space with the House of Photography that extends far beyond the region. It is a place of dialogue, discussion and inspiration, founded on the belief that photography encompasses more than just technology or a passing trend. It is a form of expression, a way of viewing the world, and a means of engagement.
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10Fotos says: Lothar Detert's works are independent and courageous. His work confidently occupies the field of contemporary photography, combining staging with depth of content. We are particularly impressed by his ability to create thought-provoking portraits. With the House of Photography, he has also created a space that fosters this very openness. Here, photography is not just consumed, but discussed, experienced and thought through. This is a strong position, both artistically and culturally. His work embodies an attitude, both in the image and beyond. We are deeply impressed.
Further photos and information about the artist, Lothar Detert, and in particular the 'House of Photography', can be found on the website photofactory.international as well as on Instagram and Facebook.
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