Thomas Ruff (b. 1958) is a contemporary German photographer and one of the most prominent members of the Düsseldorf School.

While Ruff is not considered an appropriation artist, his practice often includes adopting and manipulating a wide variety of existing photographic images to critique their creation, function and their role in visual culture/society. 

In his "Sterne" (Stars) series begun at the end of the 1980's Ruff's childhood interests and professional limitations converge. Ruff had always been fascinated by the night sky and decided to attempt to document it. However as a result of technical challenges, pollution and light interference he realized that he was unable to produce the quality of images that would satisfy his exacting standards. 

Ruff began to acquire hundreds of slides produced by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Their remote location in the Andes in Chile and their astrological technology enabled the ESO to create the types of images Ruff was striving to realize. In turn, Ruff began enlarging, manipulating, editing their images and creating his own often supersized versions of the night sky. 

This photograph is a fine example from Ruff's Sterne series, yet realized in a small edition and domestically proportioned. It was a part of the legendary "In a Dream..." portfolio and can be found in numerous public collections including , , , and  to mention a few. 

Addition images available upon request.

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"Constellation", 1990/91

Chromogenic print

Signed and numbered verso

Edition of 25

18.75"H 12.5"W (image)

28"H 22"W (framed)

Excellent condition  

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