New Hatje Cantz publication documents artist’s evolution from architectural miniatures to complex narrative environments

Frank Kunert operates within the space where photography meets sculpture, constructing elaborate miniature sets before photographing them. His latest collection, published by Hatje Cantz, spans three decades of work, documenting a practice that involves building physical environments rather than capturing found scenes.

The German artist assembles his photographs through a process that begins with construction. Each image requires the physical creation of scaled environments, complete with architectural details, lighting systems, and carefully positioned objects. These constructed spaces exist only for the duration of their documentation, dismantled after the photographic process concludes.

Kunert was born in 1963 in Frankfurt and studied visual communication at the University of Applied Sciences in Düsseldorf. He established his studio practice in the 1990s, developing techniques for creating what he terms architectural miniatures. His work has been exhibited internationally, with collections including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Gallery La Chambre in Strasbourg, among others. He has published several monographs, and his photographs are represented by galleries across Europe and North America.

The new publication compiles material spanning from his earliest experiments in the medium through recent productions. Ariadne von Schirach contributes accompanying text, positioning the work within broader discussions of contemporary image-making and architectural representation.

The photographs capture what Kunert describes as “ironic reflections of our reality” through staged scenarios that express “a familiar yet uncanny present in their apparent normality.” His constructed environments often appear deserted while maintaining traces of human presence or hints of inhabitance.

Each construction requires weeks of preparation. Kunert builds his sets using traditional model-making materials, incorporating functional lighting and precise scaling. The photography occurs in controlled studio conditions, with multiple exposures often combined to achieve the final image.

The technical process involves both analog construction and digital post-production. While the physical sets provide the foundation, the final images frequently incorporate multiple exposures and digital manipulation to achieve their specific atmospheric qualities. This hybrid approach distinguishes the work from purely digital environments or conventional architectural photography.

Distribution occurs through Hatje Cantz, with the book available in both German and English editions. The publication includes technical specifications for selected works alongside installation photography documenting Kunert’s studio practice. A complete chronology traces his exhibition history and major acquisitions by institutional collections.

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