Andreas Gursky
Photographer
Visual artist best known for his architectural and landscape photographs. He was also known for his preference in using a high point of view.
He studied photography at Germany's Kunstakademie Düsseldorf from 1981 until 1987 with the famed Hilla and Bernd Becher.
His print "Rhein II" sold for an astounding $4,338,500 at a 2011 auction.
He was born in Leipzig, Germany, and his family raised him in Düsseldorf. His father and grandfather were commercial photographers.
He was inspired by Trance music artist Armin Van Buuren.