Andreas Gursky (b. 1955, Leipzig, Germany) is a renowned German photographer recognized for his monumental, large-scale color photographs that capture the complexity of contemporary life. A leading figure of the Düsseldorf School of Photography, Gursky studied under Bernd and Hilla Becher and is known for his elevated perspectives, meticulous attention to detail, and use of digital manipulation to reveal patterns and structures in both natural and man-made environments. His iconic works—such as Rhein II and 99 Cent—examine themes of globalization, consumer culture, and the interplay between abstraction and representation, often transforming ordinary scenes into visually striking compositions. Gursky’s photographs have achieved record prices at auction and are held in major museum collections worldwide. He lives and works in Düsseldorf, where he continues to push the boundaries of photographic art.