Polaroid Landscape Photography

Home Sweet Home (Oxana's 30th Birthday) - 2010, from the 29 Palms, CA project - 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on a Polaroid. Signature la...

Untitled (Paradise) - 1999, 20x20cm. Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on a Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory No. 18550. No...

On Hold (The Last Picture Show) - 2000 20x20m, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory No...

Planes I - 2008 50x49cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4656. Not mounted. A...

Dream girl (Stranger than Paradise) - 2000 Edition of 10 3 x 58x56 x 0.1 cm, 58 x 188 cm installed. 3 Analog C-Prints, hand-printed by the artist. based on the 3 Polaroids. Signat...

Oleander (Life on Mars) - 2024 20x20m, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory No. 22135....

Palm Springs Palm Trees (Californication) - 2023 20x20cm. Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist I...

Palm Springs Palm Trees (Californication) - 2023 20x20cm. Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist I...

Palm Springs Palm Trees (Californication) - 2023 50x49cm. Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist I...

Palm Springs Palm Trees (Californication) - 2023 50x49cm. Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist I...

Streetcorner (Stranger than Paradise) - triptych, 2003 Edition 6/10, 57x56cm each, 57x185cm installed including 5cm gaps. 3 Analog C-Prints, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Cr...

Memories of Love II (The Girl behind the White Picket Fence) - 2013 50x49cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid, Certificate and signatur...

California Badlands II (California Badlands) - 2016 20x20cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. digital C-Print, based on a Polaroid Certificate and Signature label artist Inven...

Flick (The Girl behind the White Picket Fence) - 2015 78x76cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and certificate. Arti...

Subliminal (Haley and the Birds) - 2013 50x49cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory ...

Untitled (Paradise) - 1999, 20x20cm. Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on a Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory No. 20452. Not mounted. LIFE’S A DREAM (The Personal World of Stefanie Schneider) by Mark Gisbourne Projection is a form of apparition that is characteristic of our human nature, for what we imagine almost invariably transcends the reality of what we live. And, an apparition, as the word suggests, is quite literally ‘an appearing’, for what we appear to imagine is largely shaped by the imagination of its appearance. If this sounds tautological then so be it. But the work of Stefanie Schneider is almost invariably about chance and apparition. And, it is through the means of photography, the most apparitional of image-based media, that her pictorial narratives or photo-novels are generated. Indeed, traditional photography (as distinct from new digital technology) is literally an ‘awaiting’ for an appearance to take place, in line with the imagined image as executed in the camera and later developed in the dark room. The fact that Schneider uses out-of-date Polaroid film stock to take her pictures only intensifies the sense of their apparitional contents when they are realised. The stability comes only at such time when the images are re-shot and developed in the studio, and thereby fixed or arrested temporarily in space and time. The unpredictable and at times unstable film she adopts for her works also creates a sense of chance within the outcome that can be imagined or potentially envisaged by the artist Schneider. But this chance manifestation is a loosely controlled, or, better called existential sense of chance, that which becomes pre-disposed by the immediate circumstances of her life and the project she is undertaking at the time. Hence the choices she makes are largely open-ended choices, driven by a personal nature and disposition allowing for a second appearing of things whose eventual outcome remains undefined. And, it is the alliance of the chance-directed material apparition of Polaroid film, in turn explicitly allied to the experiences of her personal life circumstances, that provokes the potential to create Stefanie Schneider’s open-ended narratives. Therefore they are stories based on a degenerate set of conditions that are both material and human, with an inherent pessimism and a feeling for the sense of sublime ridicule being seemingly exposed. This in turn echoes and doubles the meaning of the verb ‘to expose’. To expose being embedded in the technical photographic process, just as much as it is in the narrative contents of Schneider’s photo-novel exposés. The former being the unstable point of departure, and the latter being the uncertain ends or meanings that are generated through the photographs doubled exposure. The large number of speculative theories of apparition, literally read as that which appears, and/or creative visions in filmmaking and photography are self-evident, and need not detain us here. But from the earliest inception of photography artists have been concerned with manipulated and/or chance effects, be they directed towards deceiving the viewer, or the alchemical investigations pursued by someone like Sigmar Polke. None of these are the real concern of the artist-photographer Stefanie Schneider, however, but rather she is more interested with what the chance-directed appearances in her photographs portend. For Schneider’s works are concerned with the opaque and porous contents of human relations and events, the material means are largely the mechanism to achieving and exposing the ‘ridiculous sublime’ that has come increasingly to dominate the contemporary affect(s) of our world. The uncertain conditions of today’s struggles as people attempt to relate to each other - and to themselves - are made manifest throughout her work. And, that she does this against the backdrop of the so-called ‘American Dream’, of a purportedly advanced culture that is Modern America, makes them all the more incisive and critical as acts of photographic exposure. From her earliest works of the late nineties one might be inclined to see her photographs as if they were a concerted attempt at an investigative or analytic serialisation, or, better still, a psychoanalytic dissection of the different and particular genres of American subculture. But this is to miss the point for the series though they have dates and subsequent publications remain in a certain sense unfinished. Schneider’s work has little or nothing to do with reportage as such, but with recording human culture in a state of fragmentation and slippage. And, if a photographer like Diane Arbus dealt specifically with the anomalous and peculiar that made up American suburban life, the work of Schneider touches upon the alienation of the commonplace. That is to say how the banal stereotypes of Western Americana have been emptied out, and claims as to any inherent meaning they formerly possessed have become strangely displaced. Her photographs constantly fathom the familiar, often closely connected to traditional American film genre, and make it completely unfamiliar. Of course Freud would have called this simply the unheimlich or uncanny. But here again Schneider almost never plays the role of the psychologist, or, for that matter, seeks to impart any specific meanings to the photographic contents of her images. The works possess an edited behavioural narrative (she has made choices), but there is never a sense of there being a clearly defined story. Indeed, the uncertainty of my reading here presented, acts as a caveat to the very condition that Schneider’s photographs provoke. Invariably the settings of her pictorial narratives are the South West of the United States, most often the desert and its periphery in Southern California. The desert is a not easily identifiable space, with the suburban boundaries where habitation meets the desert even more so. There are certain sub-themes common to Schneider’s work, not least that of journeying, on the road, a feeling of wandering and itinerancy, or simply aimlessness. Alongside this subsidiary structural characters continually appear, the gas station, the automobile, the motel, the highway, the revolver, logos and signage, the wasteland, the isolated train track and the trailer. If these form a loosely defined structure into which human characters and events are cast, then Schneider always remains the fulcrum and mechanism of their exposure. Sometimes using actresses, friends, her sister, colleagues or lovers, Schneider stands by to watch the chance events as they unfold. And, this is even the case when she is a participant in front of camera of her photo-novels. It is the ability to wait and throw things open to chance and to unpredictable circumstances, that marks the development of her work over the last eight years. It is the means by which random occurrences take on such a telling sense of pregnancy in her work. However, in terms of analogy the closest proximity to Schneider’s photographic work is that of film. For many of her titles derive directly from film, in photographic series like OK Corral (1999), Vegas (1999), Westworld (1999), Memorial Day (2001), Primary Colours (2001), Suburbia (2004), The Last Picture Show (2005), and in other examples. Her works also include particular images that are titled Zabriskie Point, a photograph of her sister in an orange wig. Indeed the tentative title for the present publication Stranger Than Paradise is taken from Jim Jarmusch’s film of the same title in 1984. Yet it would be dangerous to take this comparison too far, since her series 29 Palms (1999) presages the later title of a film that appeared only in 2002. What I am trying to say here is that film forms the nexus of American culture, and it is not so much that Schneider’s photographs make specific references to these films (though in some instances they do), but that in referencing them she accesses the same American culture that is being emptied out and scrutinised by her photo-novels. In short her pictorial narratives might be said to strip films of the stereotypical Hollywood tropes that many of them possess. Indeed, the films that have most inspired her are those that similarly deconstruct the same sentimental and increasingly tawdry ‘American Dream’ peddled by Hollywood. These include films like David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990) The Lost Highway (1997), John Dahl’s The Last Seduction (1994) or films like Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise with all its girl-power Bonny and Clyde-type clichés. But they serve no more than as a backdrop, a type of generic tableau from which Schneider might take human and abstracted elements, for as commercial films they are not the product of mere chance and random occurrence. Notwithstanding this observation, it is also clear that the gender deconstructions that the characters in these films so often portray, namely the active role of women possessed of a free and autonomous sexuality (even victim turned vamp), frequently find resonances within the behavioural events taking place in Schneider’s photographs and DVD sequences; the same sense of sexual autonomy that Stefanie Schneider possesses and is personally committed to. In the series 29 Palms (first begun in 1999) the two women characters Radha and Max act out a scenario that is both infantile and adolescent. Wearing brightly coloured fake wigs of yellow and orange, a parody of the blonde and the redhead, they are seemingly trailer park white trash possessing a sentimental and kitsch taste in clothes totally inappropriate to the locality. The fact that Schneider makes no judgment about this is an interesting adjunct. Indeed, the photographic projection of the images is such that the girls incline themselves to believe that they are both beautiful and desirous. However, unlike the predatory role of women in say Richard Prince’s photographs, which are simply a projection of a male fantasy onto women, Radha and Max are self-contained in their vacuous if empty trailer and motel world of the swimming pool, nail polish, and childish water pistols. Within the photographic sequence Schneider includes herself, and acts as a punctum of disruption. Why is she standing in front of an Officers’ Wives Club...

Man walking in Distance (Zuma Beach) - 1999 43x59cm, Edition of 2/10. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, based on the Polaroid. Signed on back and Certificate. Artist Inve...

The Valley - this used to be my Valley - (Wastelands) - 2003 57x56cm, Edition 3/5. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based on the Polaroid,...

Exxon (Stranger than Paradise) - 1999 58x57cm, Edition of 10 (last Edition), plus 2 Artist Proofs. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based ...

Riviera (Malibu), 2004 39x37cm, Edition 2/5. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based on the original Polaroid. Artist inventor...

The Fog (Stranger than Paradise) - 2003 57x56cm, Edition 4/5. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based on the Polaroid. Artist inventory Nu...

Volvo 1800ES (Zuma Beach) - 1997 43x59cm, Edition of 3/10. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, based on the Polaroid. Signed on back and Certificate. Artist Inventory #202. ...

Romina's Wedding Day (from the 29 Palms, CA Project) - 2009 125x156cm, Edition 1/5. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, based on the original Polaroid, Signature label an...

Western Pacific (29 Palms, CA) - 1999 44x59cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist In...

Snow Silence (Stranger than Paradise) - 2003 57x56cm, Edition 4/5. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based on the Polaroid. Artist invento...

Jersey Views (Stay) - 2006 20x20cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on a Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory No. 5117. Not ...

'Renée's Dream' no. 5 (Days of Heaven) - 2005 part of the 29 Palms, CA project 26 x 32cm, Edition 4/100. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Certificate and signatur...

Palm Springs Palm Trees X (Californication) - 2019 78x76cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. digital C-Print, based on a Polaroid. Cer...

Nothing (Bombay Beach, CA) - 2018 20x25cm. Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on an original Polaroid. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist In...

The America Dream (29 Palms, CA) - 1999 44x59cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist ...

Cabazon Dinosaurs (Stranger than Paradise) - 2000 Edition 4/5, 44x59cm. Analog C-Print, hand-printed and enlarged by the artist, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature ...

Winter - everything (Wastelands) - 2003 Edition 4/5, 57x56cm. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper based on the Polaroid. Artist inventory Numb...

Marilyn (Heavenly Falls) - triptych - mounted - 2016, Edition 1/10, 38x37cm each, installed 38x120cm. 3 Lambda C-Prints, based on three original Polaroids. Sandwiched in betwee...

Indian Summer III (The Last Picture Show) - 2005 Edition 1/5 128x126cm. Analog C-Print, matte surface, hand-printed by the artist, based on the original Polaroid. Signature label ...

Dodger Stadium (The Last Picture Show) - 2000 50x49cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Artist inventory number: 782. Signat...

'Frozen beach #3' Neringa, Lithuania 2023 A photograph captured with a Polaroid camera that showcases the winter landscape of Lithuania in black and white. Printed on the finest ...

Last Splash - 2019 Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs, digital C-Print based on a Polaroid, not mounted. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist inventory - PL2019-816. K...

Plane blue sky - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4637. Not mounte...

Plane Mirage - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4645. Not mounted...

I wie Ikarus (Zuma Beach) - Edition 1/10, 43x49cm each, installed with gaps (depending on installation) 80x240cm, 3 analog C-Prints, hand-printed by the artist, based on 3 origin...

Gas station at Night I (Stranger than Paradise) - 2006 Edition 1/5, 48x46 each, 93x91cm installed with gaps. 4 analog C-Prints, hand-printed by the artist, based on the 4 Polaroid...

29 Palms Oasis (Sidewinder) - 2013 100x120cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, based on the original Polaroid. Certificate and Sig...

Gasoline II (Stranger than Paradise) 1999 - 3 pieces, each 128x125cm, installed 125x295cm including gaps. sold out Edition of 5, Artist Proof 1/2 Analog C-Prints, hand-printed by...

SOS (Bombay Beach, CA) - 2022 20x20cm. Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist Inv. #PL2022-...

Stefanie Schneider's work was used for Marc Forster's movie 'Stay', featuring Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling. Naomi and Ryan were both portraying artists and Stefanie Sc...

Hard Sun (Bombay Beach, CA) - 2022 20x20cm. Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist Inv. #PL...

Operating Limitations (Stranger than Paradise) - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Art...

Airspace (Stranger than Paradise) - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory...

Shell (Stranger than Paradise) - 1999 50x49cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature ...

Salton Sea Destruction I (California Badlands) - 2016, 40x48cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Arti...

Plane tarmac - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4670. Not mounted....

Final Approach (Stranger than Paradise) - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inv...

It's gonna get worse before it gets any better (Till Death Do Us Part) - 2005 20x20cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate an...

Plane touch down - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4660. Not moun...

Stefanie Schneider Polaroid-sized unlimited Mini 'Hot Tub' (Heavenly Falls) - 2016 - signed in front, not mounted. 1 Archival Color Photograph based on the Polaroid. Polaroid si...

The Edge of Civilization (Amboy) - 2019 60x60cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-print, based on the original Polaroid. not mounted. Signature label and certificat...

Plane tear - 2008 40x40cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Signature label and Certificate. Artist Inventory #4651. Not mounted. ...

Running with Guns (Long Way Home) - 1999, 38x36cm, Edition of 10 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Mounted on Dibond with matte UV-Protectio...