In the realm of contemporary photography, Felix Schoeppner stands out as a conceptual artist who challenges the boundaries between art and everyday life. His work, marked by meticulous craftsmanship and a deep exploration of themes like labor, technology, and perception, offers a unique perspective on the future of work and the human condition. This article delves into Schoeppner's creative process, his fascination with scientific concepts, and the unexpected inspiration behind his latest project, Handle with Care.
A Unique Journey into Photography
Schoeppner's journey into photography is an intriguing one, beginning with a borrowed camera and a skateboarding session. Growing up near Frankfurt, surrounded by the world of architecture, he initially considered following in his parents' footsteps. However, a Nikon D40 and a growing fascination with photography steered him towards a different path. His studies in Communication Design and years of assisting renowned photographers laid the foundation for his technical prowess, particularly in lighting and precision.
The Shift to Still Life and Conceptual Thinking
A pivotal moment came in 2017 when a series of personal events disrupted his documentary project, Artificial Landscapes. This disruption led him to a workshop at RAY Fotografieprojekte Frankfurt.RheinMain, where he encountered Arno Rafael Minkkinen's intuitive and bodily-engaged approach to photography. This experience marked a turning point, as still life, initially kept at arm's length, became a space for conceptual thinking and personal expression.
Cognition: Unveiling the New Direction
The series Cognition, showcased in exhibitions across Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Darmstadt, marked the public debut of this new direction. Cognition features everyday materials, familiar objects, and scientific reference points, with billiard balls arranged as a solar system and structures assembled from household goods. The solar system image alone took three days to create, with some images taking weeks or months to complete. This meticulous process reflects Schoeppner's commitment to crafting images that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich.
Handle with Care: Exploring Labor, Automation, and Presence
Now, completing his Master's in Visual Communication at the Bauhaus University in Weimar, Schoeppner's graduation project, Handle with Care, takes his practice further. This project examines the relationship between work, technology, and control, sparked by his interest in how inventive people become when trying to avoid tasks they don't want to engage with. The so-called 'mouse movers' developed within the project are devices designed to simulate user activity on a computer, keeping systems running while the person is technically absent.
The Technical Process: From Concept to Image
Schoeppner's technical process is a blend of precision and intentional imperfection. He builds models that can exist independently of the photograph, using chipboard and aluminum profiles. Lighting emerges from within the scene, creating a sense of a constructed environment. Post-production plays a restrained role, with editing focusing on refining the image rather than altering it fundamentally. His choice of perspective is guided by intuition, often mirroring human perception.
The 'Mouse Mover' Inspiration: A Reflection of Modern Work
The 'mouse movers' are not just devices but a reflection of modern work dynamics. They are constructed from simple, everyday materials, often with a certain humor and ingenuity. Schoeppner's research into DIY solutions and the 'in-between' state of laboratory equipment resonates with the instability and transition of modern work, especially in the context of automation and AI. This project, therefore, becomes a commentary on the future of work and the human relationship with technology.
In conclusion, Felix Schoeppner's work is a testament to the power of conceptual photography to challenge and inspire. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and deep exploration of themes like labor, technology, and perception, he offers a unique perspective on the future of work and the human condition. Handle with Care, his latest project, is a thought-provoking commentary on the relationship between work, technology, and control, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern life.
