German photographer Juergen Teller has gained recognition over the course of his 35-year career for his nonconformist approach. He defies expectations by fusing humor and seriousness in a way that is uniquely his own, crafting real stories out of his unquenchable curiosity about life and the constantly surprising world around him. The profundity of Teller’s unparalleled photographic achievement is encapsulated in i need to live, curated by Thomas Weski at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris with the support of Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and organized by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux. This will mark Teller’s most extensive exhibition to date. Along with instantly recognizable works, a new photographic series, videos, and installations will be unveiled. Following Paris, the exhibition will tour the Triennale Milano in Spring 2024.

Since becoming well-known in London during the early 90s as a photographer, Teller has also created significant collections of deeply personal works in which he delves into his origins, family, identity, and self. Over the last five years, Teller and his spouse, Dovile Drizyte, have worked together on joint projects that highlight different facets of their marriage, love, and parenting. These pieces are characterized by a common blend of somber, personal, and frequently hilarious characters rendered in a grotesque manner.

The exhibition’s title, “I need to live,” sums up Teller’s response to existential events that have, at times tragically, molded his existence. The artist approaches these subjects in a straightforward, wholly original realistic style, much like he does with his photography. Teller highlights the importance of life and the transience of human existence while utilizing his distinctive visuals.

In conjunction with the show, Anthony Vaccarello and Juergen Teller worked together to create a distinctive lifestyle line that featured vinyl records, home goods, ornamental items, apparel, and accessories, all of which were accompanied by images of the artists. Additionally, Juergen Teller has chosen important magazines to display in a special cultural space.

Father and Son, Bubenreuth 2003

Björk and son, Iceland 1993

Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 2000

Vivienne Westwood No.1, London, 2009

Forest No.93, South Tyrol, Italy 2020

Wedding breakfast, Auguri, Napoli 2021

Iggy Pop No.23, Miami, 2022
IMAGEGRY © Juergen Teller, All rights Reserved
Juergen Teller i need to live
16 December 2023 – 9 January 2024
Grand Palais Éphémère
Place Joffre, Champ-de-Mars – 75007 Paris