Carl Zeiss AG : Top Stars in the Limelight Depicting Fantasy and Emotion

HAMBURG/Germany, OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 19.10.2012.
The exclusive Carl Zeiss Art Calendar with fascinating pictures by renowned photo artists has made waves around the world in recent years. The 2013 edition features the art of Swiss photogra- pher Michel Comte. "Imagination" is the title of his romantic story, told through a series of gorgeous photos. "The exclusive Art Calendar for our custo- mers, now on its fourth edition, is something very special. It is very much in demand all over the world, and only available in a limited quantity," President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, Dr. Michael Kaschke explains. This year's calendar was presented to the public for the first time on 18 October 2012 in Hamburg's House of Photography.

Linking the two protagonist's distant worlds is the basis of the story told in the 2013 Carl ZeissArt Calendar. The optical company's calendar once again features international stars - this time prominent names from three continents. Photo- grapher Michel Comte's photos in "Imagination" show scenes from reality on the one hand, and dreams, fantasy and longing on the other. The male protagonist is US movie and TV star Patrick Dempsey, who is also an enthusiastic racecar driver. Dempsey is familiar to many through the series "Grey's Anatomy." Rinko Kikuchi, the versatile Japanese actress who has given brilliant performances in various TV, movie and theater productions co-stars with the Hollywood celebrity.

Over the 12 months of the year, the 2013 Carl ZeissArt Calendar tells the story of two people who never get together in reality. He is a racecar driver with all his heart and soul - and with full concentration on competition and speed. She wants to be near him and indulges in her fantasy of being with him. Various layers come into play: reality and dreams, danger in the now and the longing for a fantasy. The pictures represent these different worlds of experience, which are both present all the time - each sphere permeating the other. The multi-layered multiple exposure images show both the longing to be near to and the distance from a different life.

Michel Comte designed the Carl ZeissArt Calendar 2013, which is the fourth calendar in the line. Wim Wenders, Bryan Adams and Ellen von Unwerth previously produced distinctive creations.

Carl Zeiss uses the Art Calendar as a limited-edition, exclusive gift for customers and friends of the company. It is not for sale. The limited run for customers will be delivered in December.

Images from the Carl Zeiss Calender 2013
(PDF: 6 MB, 14 pages)
High-resolution pictures available by request from
Crossover agency
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© Carl Zeiss Calendar 2013 by Michel Comte

The Carl Zeiss Art Calendar: In the photos from "Imagination," Michel Comte shows scenes representing reality and dreams, fantasy and longing - with Patrick Dempsey and Rinko Kikuchi in the limelight.

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Star photographer Michel Comte (left) with Michael Kaschke, President and CEO of Carl ZeissAG, at the exhibition of the pictures from the Carl ZeissArt Calendar 2013 in Hamburg.

Jörg Nitschke
Group Spokesman
Carl Zeiss AG
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E-Mail: [e-mail]

Number: 0121-2012-ENG CC

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