Born in Hamburg, Germany. I found my passion for photography as a teen when I first held a camera and coincidently stepped into the darkroom. As a photographer, I document the signs of the times, people and places. In a divisive world, I seek what connects, rather than what separates us. My interest in tender moments, mundane routines and self-expression in an ever changing world is rooted in my interest to tell the stories of my surroundings and the cultures I navigate in. Commercially, I apply my knowledge at the intersection of advertising, culture, fashion and entertainment where I have worked as a creative director and multidisciplinary artist. I am a contributing photographer to ‘Items. Is Fashion modern?’ at MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art in New York as well as ZEIT, WELT, Germany among others. As a visiting professor, I have taught at The School of Visual Arts, New York and Pratt Institute, Brooklyn. I live and work in New York City.
MISSION
about
Nine questions and illustrated answers.
Q: Tell me a bit about yourself, but first of all: what is your name?
A: Sure! My name is Dörte (Doerte) Fitschen-Rath. Aside from creative, I'm a runner and I have never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Q: How do you pronounce your name?
A: Think Goethe + Motörhead with a 'D'.
Q: What do you do?
A: My studio is multidisciplinary and I work as a photographer and creative director, analogue and digital.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Hamburg, Germany.
Q: What makes you smile?
A: Oscar and Eames!!!
Q: How do you unwind?
A: Running is my meditation.
Q: How did it all begin?
A: I fell in love with photography when I was a kid. The first time, I saw a print come to life in the darkroom, I was hooked. And the rest is history…
Q: What inspires you?
A: What I see inspires what I do and vice versa.
Q: What do you dream about?
A: Equality, peace and a protected environment. No big deal.