Rihanna, John Turturro, Angela Merkel, Martin Kippenberger, Mario Draghi and Miss Piggy all have two things in common: They are world-famous and they stood in front of Anatol Kotte's camera. His unique portrait photographs are familiar from Time Magazine, Die Zeit, Zeitmagazin, Stern and L'Uomo Vogue. But what makes Kotte's photographs so special? At first glance they are cool and distant, at second glance emotional and dramatic. They allow the subjects to discover a completely different side of themselves. Kotte takes an impartial approach, looking for the special look, the unexpected posture or surroundings - preferably in black and white, always moving. Surprising views of cities and landscapes are also mixed in with the portraits. The world and people become icons, and we can take a completely new look at them. “I don't take pictures for myself. I want my pictures to survive me,” says Kotte about his works. With the “Iconication” series, Anatol Kotte explores two essential questions: What makes a picture an icon and how does a picture turn people into icons? The works span an arc from Kotte's beginnings to the present day.  The result is portraits of Angela Merkel, Helmut Schmidt, Geraldine Chaplin and Miss Piggy, the world's most famous pig. According to the artist, Miss Piggy's picture in particular captures what he means by the term: “The word not only describes the content of the book, but also how I photograph.” Exclusively for the Leica Gallery Munich, Kotte has expanded the “Iconication” series with new formats and previously unpublished images, so-called “Munich Editions”. Visitors can expect a mixture of classics and vintage shots, as well as new positions such as the previously unknown “Medusa” series.

Anatol Kotte, born in 1963, began assisting photographers in 1981 and went freelance in 1988. His passion for portraits runs through his photographic work to this day. His work is published nationally and internationally. His portrait book “Iconication” was published in 2015. Kotte lives in Hamburg and is the proud father of four daughters.

The exhibition “Iconication” can be seen from January 31, 2025 to April 13, 2025 at the Leica Gallery Munich at Maffeistraße 4. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm and on Saturday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission is free. The photographs in the exhibition can be purchased, the edition is limited.