Juergen Teller’s ‘i need to live’ explores beauty and fragility at Triennale Milano

Juergen Teller’s ‘i need to live’ is on show at Triennale Milano, following its Paris debut, and spans shots of Yves Saint Laurent and Björk, as well as quirky self-portraits

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Person on jetty (left) and semi-nude models beside water (right), photographs from Juergen Teller ‘i need to live’ exhibition at Triennale Milano
Left: Alaato Jazyper, Saint LaurentAutumn Winter 2022 campaign, Le Lavandou, France 2022
Right: Two women & two swans, Saint Laurent Spring Summer 2019 campaign, Lake Como, Italy 2018
(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Juergen Teller is known for seeing the beauty in the mundane. The renowned German photographer strips back the shiny lacquer of perfection to reveal authenticity – often by injecting humour into his candid celebrity portraits and fashion editorials. His latest exhibition, ‘i need to live’, is now on display at Triennale Milano (until 1 April 2024), after its inaugural showing in Paris’ Grand Palais Ephémère.

Juergen Teller ‘i need to live’ at Triennale Milano

Juergen Teller in self-portrait, lying on mattress outside, with pink shorts and balloons

Self-Portrait with pink shorts and balloons, Paris 2017

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Saint Laurent united with Juergen Teller as the sponsor of this career-spanning exhibition that presents more than 1,000 works. Expect to discover imagery that is both personal and commissioned, giving visitors a chance to dive into events that have shaped Teller’s life.

Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 2000

Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, 2000

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

The exhibition is curated by Thomas Weski in collaboration with Teller and his wife and creative partner Dovile Drizyte. Teller’s uniquely twisted perspective has shaped the showcase, which celebrates the beauty and fragility of life.

Björk and son in thermal pool

Björk and son, Iceland 1993

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

‘i need to live’ explores Teller’s artistic evolution from the early 1990s, spanning photography, videos and installations, and includes a photographic series created for the exhibition. Discover personal imagery of Yves Saint Laurent in Paris, Björk and her son in Iceland, and self-portraits of Teller from childhood to the present day.

Also featured is a series in which Teller and Drizyte explore their relationship, marriage and parenting, ‘defined by a characteristic mix of serious and intimate but often humorous characters created in a grotesque style’, says Stefano Boeri, president of Triennale Milano.

Octopus on bed

Octopussy, Rome 2008

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Self-portrait of Juergen Teller in armchair, annotated with ironic notes for image enhancement

Self-portrait for Business of Fashion, London 2015

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Legs of semi-nude models in tights and high heels

Legs, Saint Laurent Spring Summer 2019 campaign, Lake Como, Italy 2018

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Woman in acrobatic pose on pavement

Go-Sees, Domenique, London, 29th September 1998

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

wasps in dish of jam

Forest No.93, South Tyrol, Italy 2020

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

Feet up on sofa back in front of artwork

The Myth No.50, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio, 2022

(Image credit: Courtesy of Juergen Teller)

'i need to live' is at Triennale Milano until 1 April 2024

triennale.org

Tianna Williams
Staff Writer

Tianna Williams is Wallpaper’s staff writer. When she isn’t writing extensively across varying content pillars, ranging from design and architecture to travel and art, she also helps put together the daily newsletter. She enjoys speaking to emerging artists, designers and architects, writing about gorgeously designed houses and restaurants, and day-dreaming about her next travel destination.