people - Famous German Magnum photographer Hoepker passed away
International renowned German photographer Thomas Hoepker is deceased. He passed away at the age of 88, as Magnum Photos announced.
Hoepker was the author of some of the most famous photographs of the past decades. His iconic image from September 11, 2001, caused controversy: A seemingly relaxed group of young people are seen sitting together before the blue East River in New York. Behind them in Manhattan, smoke plumes rise towards the sky above the metropolis after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Other well-known images by Hoepker include portraits of boxing legend Muhammad Ali: Ali with his fist right up to the lens, jumping in front of a skyline or eating ice in bed - Hoepker was right there. He also photographed artist Roy Lichtenstein in his studio or captured the energy of New York and the mood in America during the 60s.
From Munich to the World
Hoepker was born in Munich in 1936. He studied art, history, and archaeology. However, his passion was photography, ever since his grandfather bought him a camera as a 14th birthday gift. Before the end of his studies, he was hired by the "Münchner Illustrierte" and joined Magazin "Stern" in 1964.
At the same time, he joined the legendary photo agency Magnum and served as its President from 2003 to 2006. In 1976, Hoepker moved to New York, where he worked as the visual chief for the magazine "Geo". His images inspired and were exhibited all over the world. In 2022, the documentary film "Dear Memories" was released, in which the Hoepker, suffering from Alzheimer's, takes a last road trip through the USA before it's too late. Hoepker explained his working method in a 2007 interview with the German Press Agency as follows: "One must also bring one's opinion across and not just compose beautifully. The photographer as an author is important. He should not only represent and register what happens, but develop a stance towards his subject. Either you hate it or you love it, but lukewarm is always uninteresting."
- Thomas Höpker, who was born in Munich, Germany, captured the spirit of New York throughout his career.
- The controversial image taken by Höpker in 2001 depicts a group of young people in Manhattan, just before the World Trade Center was attacked by Jihadists.
- Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend, was also a subject of Höpker's photography, with images capturing his confidence and energy.
- After moving to Manhattan, Höpker worked as the visual chief for the magazine "Geo," and his photographs inspired people around the world.
- In 2007, Höpker shared his thoughts on photography in an interview with the German Press Agency, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's opinion and developing a stance towards the subject.
- The documentary film "Dear Memories" was released in 2022, showcasing Höpker's last road trip through the United States before his battle with Alzheimer's became too severe.
