The Evolution of a Photographer's Journey
Felix Schoeppner's path to becoming a renowned conceptual photographer is a fascinating tale of personal growth and artistic exploration. His journey began with a borrowed camera and a skateboarding session, a far cry from the rigorous and thoughtful approach he is known for today.
From Skateboarding to Still Life
Schoeppner's early life, marked by architectural influences and museum visits, hinted at a potential career in architecture. However, a Nikon D40 and a growing fascination with photography steered him towards a different path. His education in Communication Design and assisting renowned photographers laid the technical foundation, especially in lighting and precision. Interestingly, he initially resisted still life photography, only to embrace it later with a unique perspective.
A Turning Point: Illness and Intuition
A significant turning point came during a personal crisis. Schoeppner's documentary project, 'Artificial Landscapes', was disrupted by a relationship ending and a cancer diagnosis. After successful treatment, he encountered the intuitive and bodily-engaged photography of Arno Rafael Minkkinen, which had a therapeutic effect. This experience opened up still life photography as a space for personal expression and conceptual exploration.
Building Images, Building Concepts
Schoeppner's work is characterized by meticulous construction and a unique approach to image-making. He begins with a loose term or idea, often inspired by everyday objects or situations. This initial impulse leads to a lengthy phase of experimentation, a process he likens to continuous engagement rather than waiting for ideas. His 'Handle with Care' series, for instance, took nearly two years of conceptual groundwork.
The Art of Construction and Deconstruction
The studio, for Schoeppner, is a space where everyday materials and constructed situations meet. He carefully selects materials like chipboard and aluminum profiles for their familiarity and flexibility. His lighting techniques have evolved to create a sense of constructed environments, sometimes incorporating built-in light sources. This blend of precision and intentional imperfection is a signature of his style.
The Mouse Mover: A Symbol of Modern Work
One of Schoeppner's most intriguing projects, 'Handle with Care', delves into the relationship between work, technology, and control. Inspired by people's ingenuity in avoiding tasks, he created 'mouse movers'—devices simulating user activity. These devices, often made from simple household materials, showcase human creativity in task avoidance. Schoeppner's interest lies not just in the function but also in the process of construction, reflecting his broader theme of recontextualization.
Between Functionality and Irony
The project also explores the concept of over-engineering, where tools and systems exceed their basic functions. Schoeppner translates this into a visual language that balances functionality and exaggeration, introducing a subtle irony. This is a recurring theme in his work, where he plays with the tension between recognition and uncertainty, making his images both accessible and thought-provoking.
The 'In-Between' State of Modern Work
The presentation of the apparatuses in transport crates is a powerful statement. It reflects the 'in-between' state of modern work, especially in the era of automation and AI. The devices, like the systems they represent, exist in a state of potential, neither fully active nor inactive. This is a profound observation on the evolving nature of labor and our complex relationship with technology.
A Personal Reflection
What I find most captivating about Schoeppner's work is his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. His images, born from a process of continuous engagement and experimentation, offer a unique perspective on everyday objects and situations. His journey from skateboarding to still life photography is a testament to the power of personal experiences in shaping artistic expression. Schoeppner's work invites us to see the world differently, questioning our assumptions about labor, technology, and the very act of creation.
