ABOUT

Dirk H. Wilms (born 1966) is a German artist and photographer whose work consists exclusively of conceptual staged self-portraits. He first came to public recognition with his photographic series A KIND OF ABSENCE that is concerned with his identity as a gay man living with HIV and AIDS.

Never willing to compromise his artistic vision, Wilms uses photography to record and elaborate biographical stories and personal life events in his own way. Often he depicts himself as a nude figure in his compositions, recasting the male nude as something insecure and vulnerable, rather than as a figure of strength. Implicit in his art practice is the idea that an artist's personal investment, deprivation, and sacrifice is a necessary condition of art. The resulting images highlight an intimate and melancholic struggle, enabling the viewer to connect with his work on a deeply personal level.

“I'm introverted, depressive, and neurotic, but photography gave me faith in my own existence,” he has said. “I believe that artists should have a certain kind of darkness within them in order to create works that have energy. I'd say, art cannot come from happiness.”

His striking and highly unusual photographs have been featured in prestigious art, culture, and gay magazines, and can be found in a variety of private collections.