In the world of photography, Felix Schoeppner's journey is an intriguing one, taking him from a borrowed camera at a skateboarding session to becoming one of Germany's most intriguing conceptual photographers. His background, with parents who are architects, and his early exposure to museums, could have easily led him down a similar path, but fate had other plans.
Felix's decision to study Communication Design and his subsequent work with renowned photographers like Olaf Blecker and Daniel Stier, built a strong foundation. However, it was a series of personal events, including a cancer diagnosis and treatment, that truly shaped his artistic direction. During this challenging period, he discovered the therapeutic power of still life photography, a genre he had initially kept at arm's length.
His series, 'Cognition,' marked a public shift in his artistic trajectory, showcasing his unique approach to still life. Each image is a carefully constructed puzzle, bending the logic of scale and perception, leaving viewers questioning what they see. The series was exhibited across major German cities, solidifying his presence in the contemporary art scene.
Now, as he completes his Master's in Visual Communication, Felix's graduation project, 'Handle with Care,' delves deeper into the themes of labor, automation, and presence. It's a project that explores the peculiar ingenuity of avoidance, a concept that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work became the norm.
In this project, Felix developed 'mouse movers,' devices designed to simulate user activity on a computer, keeping systems running while the user is technically absent. This idea, sparked by his observation of people's inventive ways to avoid tasks, reflects a broader question about the relevance of the traditional time-for-money work model versus a system based on output and efficiency.
What makes Felix's work so captivating is his ability to create a point of entry that feels immediate and intuitive, using familiar materials and objects. He builds tension between recognition and uncertainty, inviting viewers to interpret and relate to what they see. His process is a continuous movement, with the photograph being a moment within that larger creative journey.
As Felix continues to push the boundaries of his practice, his work serves as a reminder that creativity is not just about waiting for ideas, but about continuous engagement and the willingness to explore new paths.
