Stefanie created the art for both main actors Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling in the movie 'Stay' directed by Marc Forster. She also created the art for several dream sequences and the end credit sequence for the movie.
'Jelly Fish'' (Stay) - 2006
50x48cm,
Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs.
Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid.
Signature label and certificate,
Artist Inventory Number 5492.
Not mounted.
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Stefanie Schneider: A German view of the American West
The works of Stefanie Schneider evoke Ed Ruscha's obsession with the American experience, the richness of Georgia O'Keefe's deserts and the loneliness of Edward Hopper's haunting paintings. So how exactly did this German photographer become one of the most important artists of the American narrative of the 20th and 21st century?
Schneider's ability to control, or at least predict, the outcome of a pack of Polaroid film is a testament to her experience and intuitive understanding of the medium. With years of practice and countless rolls of film, she has honed her skills, shooting from the hip and grounding her decisions in her gut instincts. It's a symbiotic dance, where she juggles the film, the actors, and the set simultaneously. Every aspect of a Stefanie Schneider photo shoot is meticulously planned and executed, with weeks or even months of preparation. The location, props, costumes—every detail is carefully considered to bring her vision to life.
Sometimes, the actors themselves become part of the process, staying at Stefanie's ranch when the shoot extends over multiple days. It's a unique collaboration where Schneider controls every aspect, from the initial concept to the final result. Her ideas are crystal clear in her mind, and she orchestrates the entire production like a captivating performance. The actors step into the scene, often for the first time, wearing their costumes and surrounded by carefully arranged elements. From there, serendipity takes over, guided by the film's performance and the camera's quirks. Weather conditions also come into play, as Schneider prefers to shoot outdoors with natural light, embracing the elements as they add their own touch to the composition.
This spontaneous dance between Schneider, her subjects, and the film creates an atmosphere of unpredictability and magic. The synergy between all the elements is essential for the final result. Schneider's deep connection with her photo subjects, the trust and rapport she builds with them, infuses her work with a genuine and profound authenticity. It's this connection that allows her to capture the raw emotions and intimate moments that resonate with viewers.
One remarkable testament to Schneider's dedication is her feature film, "The Girl Behind the White Picket Fence." The project spanned five years, capturing the essence of each season while traveling between Berlin and the high desert of Twentynine Palms, California. Shooting in different locations and producing her analog prints in Berlin, she meticulously crafted a visual narrative that unfolds step by step. The film required countless Polaroids, each frame carefully selected and curated to tell a story that transcends time and place.
Through her meticulous process and unwavering commitment to her craft, Stefanie Schneider has become a master storyteller. Her ability to control the unpredictable nature of Polaroid film, combined with her keen eye for composition and her deep connections with her subjects, elevates her work to a realm of artistry that is uniquely her own. With each photograph and film project, she invites viewers to immerse themselves in her world—a world filled with emotion, spontaneity, and a touch of serendipity.
Stefanie Schneider received her MFA in Communication Design at the Folkwang Schule Essen, Germany. Her work has been shown at the Museum for Photography, Braunschweig, Museum für Kommunikation, Berlin, the Institut für Neue Medien, Frankfurt, the Nassauischer Kunstverein, Wiesbaden, Kunstverein Bielefeld, Museum für Moderne Kunst Passau, Les Rencontres d'Arles, Foto -Triennale Esslingen.