THE WIDE WORLD IN FOCUS

German photographer Christian Voigt thinks big. His photographs are full-sized tableaus of global landmarks that are enveloping, hypnotic and also confrontational. He hunts that elusive, perfect photo through Europe, Asia and the Middle East like a safari

Amsterdam

The research library of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the largest art history library in the Netherlands. While its purpose is to catalogue and document art, Voigt has turned the bones of the library into a piece of art in itself. The unending volumes of books on display are a powerful symbol of the importance of public institutions and, perhaps more importantly, why you shouldn’t get all your information from Google.

Oman

For Voigt, God is in the details. A souvenir shop in Muscat, Oman is profound proof. The shot is so richly three dimensional that you can lose yourself if not careful. Treasures and trinkets abound. Soon you feel a little like Bilbo Baggins in the golden lair of the dragon Smaug.

Bali

The terraced rice fields of Kastala, Bali use the traditional Balinese co-operative irrigation system of subak. The trees frame the layers of rice in a painterly symmetry. But this is no picture postcard. There are dark clouds overhead, signalling a change of weather and perhaps fortune.

Miami

The tourist image of Miami, palm trees and boardwalks is upended by this portrait. Here the viewer is confronted with a wall of condos. It is the Miami of commerce, of industrialists and jet setters. In a city known for heat and life and music, it is also coldly impersonal. The lights are on, but it’s hard to tell if anyone is home.

Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is the CN Tower of the new world. It is the tallest man-made structure in the world and is testament to the strength of a petro-economy and the persistence of humankind to build modern-day trophies in concrete and steel. The 829metre building cost $1.5 billion when it opened in 2010. Voigt has been reported as saying the shot took almost six hours to complete and was one of his most difficult.

Egypt

The longest river in the world has been essential to Egyptian civilization. After the mountain snows melted, the Nile would flood, leaving behind rich soil. Ancient Egyptians called this the “Gift of the Nile.” Egypt may be in the middle of a desert, but here the lotus flower shaped Nile River teems with life. Bathers, boaters, children and adults are all being energized by sparkling water in a timeless portrait.