Michael Najjar Ordre des livres (chronologique)

In 2009, artist Michael Najjar reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, feeling a profound sense of anticipation for his upcoming journey to space. As one of Germany's leading photographers, he is preparing to board the SpaceshipTwo, currently in development. Najjar is fully committed to his outer space series, which encompasses photographs and video pieces, supported by experts from the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt and NASA. His empirical approach defines his practice, as he believes in "living through" his subjects. To prepare, he underwent rigorous astronaut training in Russia’s Star City, pushing his physical limits through stratospheric and zero-g flights, centrifuge sessions, and spacewalk training, capturing his experiences on camera to explore his perceptions. Central to his work are the cultural implications of advanced space technology, its potential to enhance our understanding of the universe, and its societal repercussions. The book delves into Najjar’s preparations for spaceflight and showcases the initial works from his outer space series. It includes essays by notable figures such as Buzz Aldrin, Anousheh Ansari, and Lord Norman Foster, along with a conversation between Camilla Péus and Michael Najjar.

Mit einer sechsköpfigen Expeditionsgruppe bestieg der Fotokünstler Michael Najjar 2009 den Gipfel des Mount Aconcagua, mit seinen 6.962 Metern höchster Berg der Welt außerhalb des Himalayagebirges. Das fotografische Material, das während der dreiwöchigen Expedition entstand, ist die Basis für die Bildwelten der Werkgruppe „high altitude“, welche die Börsenentwicklung der weltweit wichtigsten Leitindizes über die letzten 20 bis 30 Jahre visualisiert. Die virtuellen Zahlenberge der Börsencharts resublimieren sich in der Materialität und Massivität der argentinischen Gebirgszüge – sie versinnbildlichen den schmalen Grat zwischen Realität und Simulation.