About the artist
Dr. Ulrich Backes (* 1955), aka Time4render, is a German digital artist, working from Radolfzell / Germany.
Originally studied Physics, he most recently focused on optics and now devotes himself entirely to the artistic application of „=> virtual photography“ . For that, he designs abstract scenes with lighting in the => 3D modeling software Blender.
“Ulrich Backes’ images sometimes seem familiar and yet strange at the same time. They show spaces that do not exist, and yet they seem to have been seen. Light falls on surfaces, contours emerge in the space, and depth is created - as if a camera had captured a moment. In fact, these photographs are created in completely constructed digital worlds.
Each work is the result of a meticulous process: forms are shaped, materials developed, light sources aligned. Only then does the view come into focus - a virtual camera captures the space. The image is not created from observing the world, but from designing a moment that first arose in the artist’s mind.
The high level of abstraction opens up room for perception. Without recognizable motifs or stories, attention and emotion focus on the essentials: light and shadow, proximity and distance, tension and calm. The images invite us to slow down and lose oneself in the space of the image.
These works understand photography as an experience, not as evidence. They show images without origin, places without past, moments without before and after. Ulrich Backes’ works are invitations to let your gaze wander - and to arrive at an image that exists only for this one moment.”
Exhibitions
| 2025 | „Runde Sache“, Galerie Gunzoburg Überlingen |
| 2024 | „Sommeratelier“, Galerie Gunzoburg Überlingen |
| 2023 | „Radolfzeller Künstler*innen“, Villa Bosch Radolfzell |
| 2022 | “Kulturnacht Radolfzell”, Milchwerk |
| 2020 | „Neue Arbeiten“, Städtische Galerie Überlingen |
| 2020 | „Neue Künstler“, Galerie Gunzoburg Überlingen |
| 2019 | „Radolfzeller Künstler Vol. 2“, Villa Bosch Radolfzell |
Awards
| 2023 | Art Limited Excellence Award for RGB23-E1 |
Artistic training
| 2022 | Painting seminar “Warum Malen?”, Bernard Lokai |
| 2020 | Painting seminar “Innenwelt und Außenwelt”, Sid Gastl |
| 2020 | Admission to the International Bodenseeclub (IBC), Section of Fine Arts |
| 2018 | Acrylic painting seminar, Mick Starke |
| 2017 | Acrylic painting seminar, Frederick Bunsen |
| 2012 | - 2025 Self-study raytracing, image perception, perceptual psychology |
| 1990 | - 2010 Self-study furniture design, lamp design, graphic design |
Technical career
| 2021 | Retirement (as an employee) |
| 2020 | Core Product Architect Sensors at BCS-AIS, Radolfzell |
| 2013 | Technical Specialist Sensor Technologies at BCS-AIS, Radolfzell |
| 2006 | Technical project leader at TRW Radolfzell |
| 1999 | Group leader advanced development electronics; TRW Radolfzell |
| 1990 | Consultant New Technologies; Eckardt GmbH Stuttgart |
| 1985 | Development Engineer; Research Center SEL AG Stuttgart |
| 1974 | - 1985 Physics studies and PhD, RWTH Aachen |
| 1955 | Born in Viersen / Rheinland / Germany |