Gerd Ludwig
Gerd Ludwig was born in Alsfeld, Germany. Initially he studied German literature, political science, and physical education at the University of Marburg, but interrupted his studies to travel in Scandinavia and North America while supporting himself with jobs as a bricklayer, sailor, gardener and dishwasher. After his return to Germany, he studied photography for five years with Professor Otto Steinert at the Folkwang-Hochschule (now Folkwang University of the Arts), graduating in 1974 with a degree in Photo Design from the University of Essen. The following year, he co-founded VISUM, Germany’s first photographer-owned photo agency. In 1978, he moved to Hamburg and began working for Geo, Stern, Spiegel, Zeit-Magazin, Time, and Life, as well as photographing advertising campaigns.
In 1984, Gerd relocated to New York and continued to photograph for major international publications. In the early 1990s, he signed on as a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on environmental issues and the social changes in Germany and Eastern Europe.
Exhibitions (Selection):
2022
"Selected Works"
Galerie STP: Greifswald, Deutschland
2021
“Friedensreich Hundertwasser”
Galerie Breyer: Baden, Austria
“Beuys-Land: Art and Climate Change”
Outdoor Photo Installation: Kleve, Germany
“Joseph Beuys”
Galerie Breyer: Baden, Austria
2020
“Moscow — Winds of Change”
Festival La Gacilly-Baden Photo: Baden, Austria
“The Long Shadow of Chernobyl”
Festival La Gacilly-Baden Photo: Baden, Austria
2019
“Gerd Ludwig — Russia Photographs”
SlovoNovo Forum for Russian Culture: Budva, Montenegro
“The Long Shadow of Chernobyl”
ROSPHOTO State Photo Museum: Saint Petersburg, Russia
“This Was the 2018 Festival”
Photo Festival La Gacilly-Baden, Baden, Austria
