Günter Blum (1949-1997) was a German fine art photographer best known for his erotic depictions of confident nude women. Born on January 19, 1949 in Mannheim, Germany, he studied graphic design and spent the early part of his career creating magazine, book, and album covers. For many years Günter lived and worked in Hamburg and Paris as a painter and illustrator. In 1978 he moved back to Heidelberg where he also worked as a Professor at the College of Design. He took up photography in the late 1980s, embarking on a series of erotic photographs inspired by Fritz Lang’s seminal film Metropolis (1927), posing a female model alongside elaborate, large-scale sets resembling machinery. The sets, wardrobe and leather work seen in his images were designed and built by Günter. He loved details, and was meticulous when it came to even the small elements in his scenes. Everything in the picture was planned and handmade for one purpose – to show the beauty of a powerful woman. Blum’s work was initially inspired by the likes of Helmut Newton and Jan Saudek but his photography became more focused on edgy, provocative imagery inspired by the exaggerated foundation garments of leather and lace that came into fashion in the 1980’s. The influence of punk and the sexual revolution of the 80’s is evidenced by one of his most famous photos, Spiegel Spezial (Special Edition), a cover for Der Spiegel magazine which depicts buttocks wrapped in barbed wire and fishnets. His famous illustrations and photographs were published by Spiegel, Stern, Focus, Playboy, and Vogue. Günter published 5 books and had numerous successful exhibitions throughout his celebrated career. His work can be found in museums and famed collections worldwide.
Günter's largest collection of images has been preserved for decades by his greatest model and muse, Sylvie Blum. Sylvie became his wife in the 1990’s, and has looked after his prestigious private collection since Günter’s untimely death in July 1997, after a long fight with cancer. Sylvie is honored to now bring this work to the public with Fahey/Klein Gallery.