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Joachim Schmeisser
Tim, the Gentle Giant, Kenya, Elephant, b&w photography

2019

$9,465.33
£7,046.33
€7,900
CA$12,965.14
A$14,420.07
CHF 7,529.71
MX$175,476.89
NOK 96,165.90
SEK 90,186.65
DKK 60,139.94
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About the Item

Edition 10 This elephant Tim, is with his 51 years by far one of the last remaining big boys in Africa with tusks so long touching the ground. After several days following him I had the chance to make this remarkable portrait. He slowly marched straight at me without any fear or aggression. Nothing fills my mind more than being so close to these giants. Only 3 meters away you can feel their dignity, awareness and gentleness but at the same time the unbelievable power. It was a breathtaking moment but one that changes the way you look at many things. An encounter you only have the chance to once in a lifetime. Tim died in February 2020 of natural cause. Born in Germany in 1958, Joachim Schmeisser is best known for his major photographic series he has done in East Africa – his iconic portraiture of Elephants – especially the Orphan Elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. He started this project in 2009 – during a stopover on a trip to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Hadzabe in Tanzania. Everything changed once he found himself surrounded by these baby elephants and his short travel break turned into a wonderful friendship and terrific project. It is still ongoing even today and has become a matter close to his heart. In 2012, Joachim Schmeisser won the prestigious Hasselblad Award for this work. In 2017 his book »Elephants in Heaven« was launched by the German Publisher teNeues and sold out within 4 months. » I feel like this work—for me—is an unprecedented example of the perfect balance between creating an icon, and working with an icon.« writes Art Editor Fridey Mickel of the TAZ Berlin about his work and Matthias Harder, Chief curator of the Helmut Newton Foundation Berlin speaks in his foreword about him as a man of conviction with an ecological, visual approach. »He gives something back to the land and ultimately infects us with his enthusiasm for the elephants.« Joachim Schmeisser's intention is to show the beauty and uniqueness of our planet and to increase sensitivity for a topic that concerns us all. »I see the photos of the elephants as portraits of individuals who are our equals – far removed from spectacular wildlife photography. What interests me is what lies beneath the surface, out of sight, the quite yet intense encounters. I‘d like you to see the images as a window into a fascinating world, where everything is connected to everything else. Protecting this nature is our most important mission.« Particular noteworthy are his large-sized unique prints. By using a large format Sinar camera and medium format cameras he creates prints even in a format of three to 4 meters or more as a unique piece edition. Alongside the elephants is his second major series »Still Lifes« predestined for such breathtaking and incomparable visual impression and quality.
  • Creator:
    Joachim Schmeisser (1958, German)
  • Creation Year:
    2019
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 47.25 in (120 cm)Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5 mm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    München, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU76635839431

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Tim Eye to Eye, Kenya, Elephant, b&w photography
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Portrait of Tim, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
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Sabachi, Kenya, Elephant, black and white photography, wildlife
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Portrait of Primo II, animal, wildlife, black and white photography, elephant
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