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Retrospective of Dirk Hartung (1967–2024) – A Tribute to a Life in Photography

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Exhibition in Vienna – A Tribute to a Life in Photography of Dirk Hartung

The World Bodypainting Association would like to draw attention to a special exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the late photographer Dirk Hartung.

This retrospective honors an artist whose unique vision and deep passion for photography left a lasting impression across multiple genres - from the high-energy world of motorsport to the quiet poetry of nature and the authenticity of portraiture. Over the years, Dirk became a regular and highly appreciated photographer at World Bodypainting Festival events, with many of the images in our galleries bearing his distinctive signature.

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Photos: Dirk Hartung @WBF

A Life Dedicated to Perspective

Born in 1967 in Bonn, Dirk Hartung discovered his passion for photography in 1995. Over the following 25 years, he became a respected motorsport photographer, known for his ability to capture the intensity, speed, and precision of racing in striking and dynamic imagery. Yet his work extended far beyond the racetrack.

Hartung was also a sensitive observer of nature and human life. His photographs reveal a remarkable sense for light, atmosphere, and emotion—qualities that gave his images a timeless and enduring beauty. His unique perspective allowed him to transform fleeting moments into powerful visual stories.

His personal motto, “Et kütt wie et kütt” (“It is what it is”), reflects both his roots and his grounded, authentic approach to life and art.

Three Worlds of Photography

The retrospective presents the breadth of his work across three central themes:

Motorsport
Dynamic compositions that capture movement, energy, and the precision of high-performance racing.

Nature
A quieter, contemplative body of work focused on light, atmosphere, and the subtle beauty of the natural world.

Portrait Photography
Expressive portraits that tell stories through genuine, unguarded moments of human life.

A Lasting Legacy

This retrospective is more than an exhibition—it is a remembrance of an artist who saw the world differently and invited others to see it through his lens.

Dirk Hartung’s work continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of perspective, passion, and authenticity in visual storytelling.

Exhibition Details

This exhibition is conceived as a retrospective - a tribute to Dirk Hartung’s photographic life’s work and a space to remember his artistic legacy.

For more information: https://dirkhartung.com/