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 the mundane, and the profound insights his work provides into the relationship between humans and the machines they create.
A Unique Origin Story
Schoeppner's journey into photography is an intriguing one, beginning with a borrowed camera and a skateboarding session. Growing up near Frankfurt, the son of two architects, he was exposed to art and culture from an early age, yet his path to photography was not straightforward. His initial hesitation to follow in his parents' footsteps into architecture led him to Communication Design, where he developed a strong technical foundation in photography, particularly in lighting and precision. This foundation, combined with his interest in the medium itself, set the stage for his unique artistic vision.
The Shift to Still Life
A pivotal moment in Schoeppner's career came when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. This personal crisis forced him to withdraw from his documentary project, 'Artificial Landscapes,' and led him to a workshop at RAY Fotografieprojekte Frankfurt.RheinMain, led by Arno Rafael Minkkinen. Here, he discovered the therapeutic power of still life photography, which allowed him to explore conceptual thinking and personal experiences. This shift marked a new direction in his work, as he began to construct images rather than react to situations, moving away from the constraints of traditional photography.
Constructing Images
Schoeppner's approach to photography is characterized by a meticulous construction process. He starts with a loosely defined idea or term, allowing the project to evolve organically. This process, which he calls 'continuous engagement,' involves testing and experimentation, often leading to the creation of images that emerge through the act of making. The studio becomes a workshop where everyday materials and constructed situations interact, creating a tension between recognition and uncertainty. This tension is a key element in his work, inviting viewers to question their perceptions and interpretations.
Everyday Materials, Scientific Reference Points
Schoeppner's images often explore scientific ideas and abstraction using everyday materials and models. He is interested in creating a point of entry that feels immediate and intuitive, before the image unfolds on a more conceptual level. By using familiar objects and materials, he builds on the collective knowledge of the viewer, allowing them to approach the image through something they recognize. This familiarity creates a sense of comfort, even when the overall situation is ambiguous or abstract.
The Technical Process
Technically, Schoeppner moves between precision and intentional imperfection. He uses focus stacking to capture high levels of detail in tools, while for the mouse movers in their shipping cases, he deliberately works with a shallow depth of field to introduce spatial ambiguity. His choice of perspective is often guided by intuition, and he tends to work within a focal length range close to human perception for larger objects. Post-production plays a relatively restrained role, with editing focusing on refining the image rather than altering it fundamentally.
Handle with Care: Work, Technology, and Control
Schoeppner's latest project, 'Handle with Care,' examines the relationship between work, technology, and control. It was sparked by his interest in how inventive people can become when trying to avoid tasks they are required to do but don't want to engage with. The project explores the tension between presence, productivity, and control, particularly in the context of remote work and the COVID-19 pandemic. The '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 'mouse movers' are constructed from simple, everyday materials, reflecting the ingenuity and humor found in DIY solutions. Schoeppner's research into these devices revealed a rich tapestry of improvisation and adaptation, connecting directly to his broader interest in construction and recontextualization. The project also reflects on ideas of over-engineering and optimization, translating these concepts into a visual language that oscillates between functionality and exaggeration.
The 'In-Between' Condition
A key element of 'Handle with Care' is the 'in-between' condition, which resonates strongly with Schoeppner. This condition is reflected in the way the apparatuses are presented in their transport crates, partially unpacked and in a state of potential. It symbolizes the current relationship to work, which feels increasingly unstable and transitional, particularly in the context of automation and AI. The 'in-between' state becomes a metaphor for the systems of labor and control, existing in a state of potential rather than full activation.
Personal Interpretation and Commentary
From my perspective, Schoeppner's work is a powerful commentary on the human condition in the age of technology. His exploration of labor, technology, and control offers a nuanced understanding of how we interact with the machines we create. The 'mouse movers' are not just devices; they are symbols of our desire to avoid work and our ingenuity in finding ways to do so. The 'in-between' condition reflects the instability and transition of our current work environment, where automation and AI are reshaping the relationship between humans and machines.
In my opinion, Schoeppner's work is a call to reconsider our relationship with technology and labor. It invites us to think about the consequences of our actions and the impact of our creations on our lives. His exploration of the 'in-between' condition is particularly thought-provoking, as it highlights the instability and potential of our current systems. This raises a deeper question: how can we create a future where technology and labor coexist in a way that is both productive and humane?
