Portrait of Life (As Death Gradually Approaches)

Author: (German) Walter Wang Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: "The same death awaits everyone. No one can be sure today whether they will live to see tomorrow." This book records the life and death of humans through images and interview texts. The photographer's records of people are invariably two photos: one capturing them in life, and the other showing their expression after death. On these faces, you will see contentment, peace, full hope, as well as despair, surrender, crying, fear, and deep sorrow. Reading this book, we can feel humanity's reverence for life and the brilliance of human nature. This is a work compiled from a series of "Life Portraits" images and interview texts that caused a sensation in Europe. It records the life and death of people, including scientists, officials, police officers, writers, bankers, doctors, and even newborn babies. Regardless of their identity, status, or age, the photographer's records of them are invariably two photos: one capturing them in life, and the other showing their expression after death. On these faces, you will see contentment, peace, full hope, as well as despair, surrender, crying, fear, and deep sorrow. In this series of images, Walter uses contrast to portray the spiritual state of humans as they approach death. When the book was exhibited and sold in Europe, it sold out immediately and was reprinted repeatedly, also sparking widespread controversy. However, this series of works won high awards in documentary photography, including the ADC Gold Award and the World Press Photo Silver Award, and Walter was named Germany's Portrait Photographer of the Year. This is a work compiled from a series of "Life Portraits" images and interview texts that caused a sensation in Europe. It records the life and death of people, including scientists, officials, police officers, writers, bankers, doctors, and even newborn babies. Regardless of their identity, status, or age, the photographer's records of them are invariably two photos: one capturing them in life, and the other showing their expression after death. On these faces, you will see contentment, peace, full hope, as well as despair, surrender, crying, fear, and deep sorrow. In this series of images, Walter uses contrast to portray the spiritual state of humans as they approach death. This series of works won high awards in documentary photography, including the ADC Gold Award and the World Press Photo Silver Award, and Walter was named Germany's Portrait Photographer of the Year.