Tillmans' figurative photographs present us with a compelling alternative to conventional ideas about beauty – his landscapes, still lifes and portraits have a distinctive energy, often appearing spontaneous and improvisatory when in fact they are carefully planned.
He also recently began to make abstract compositions by manipulating the effects of light on photo-sensitive paper.
While continuing to explore the potential of the still image Tillmans has begun to work with video, collaborating with the pop group, the Pet Shop Boys, on a music video and making a large-scale video installation, Lights (Body) 2000–2. He will make a new film to be premiered at Tate Britain during this exhibition.Â
