The Kunstraum Potsdam, in collaboration with Jaeger Art, presents the exhibition “Pictures” by the renowned fashion and portrait photographer Kristian Schuller. In his unmistakable visual language, the solo show invites visitors to wander between worlds and times, the present and the past. Visitors can expect a fascinating journey through Schuller’s energetic dream worlds. His works are presented in both powerful colors and intense black and white tones. Sometimes they appear as impressive star portraits of personalities such as Katy Perry or Cate Blanchett, sometimes they unfold in auratic fashion stagings.
A glimpse of the exhibition space at Schiffbauergasse 4d in Potsdam during the vernissage of Kristian Schuller’s exhibition. Photo by Matteo Zacchigna for Juliet
The Romanian-born artist, who moved to Germany as a child, presents a series of works with black and white portraits from Transylvania as a counterpoint. Diverse characters that already shaped his image of his homeland in his youth. Haunting faces greet the viewer with an open gaze and, in this direct visual dialogue, create a complement to the colorful dream worlds. Both of Kristian Schuller’s worlds arouse equal curiosity about the stories behind the pictures, the anecdotes behind the encounters and the next stage of his poetic, breathless and light-flooded journey.
Publications by Kristian Schuller on the desk of the Kunstraum Potsdam bookshop. Photo by Matteo Zacchigna for Juliet
Schuller’s unmistakable visual language, which is always created in close collaboration with his wife Peggy, is characterized by a playful and surprising approach to the diverse possibilities of photography. The targeted use of blurring, combined with a harmonious interplay of light and shadow, results in Schuller’s images creating a mystical atmosphere that leaves plenty of room for the viewer’s own interpretations. Growing up under Romanian communism, Kristian’s aversion to the ubiquitous and dreary gray on the streets and in society at the time manifested itself as a child. Colors and light have fascinated him ever since, as have the people who reacted to this grey with wit, humor and improvisation.
Kristian Schuller, lightbox “Lea Seydoux” from 2016. Photo by Matteo Zacchigna for Juliet
He himself says of his approach to his photography: «I’d rather dream myself into the unknown than have everything presented in bright light. The silhouette of a woman is enough to make a whole movie run in my imagination. I am very lucky to work with wonderful people whose strong personalities both inspire and challenge me. It doesn’t matter whether they are well-known characters like Cate Blanchett or Penélope Cruz or ordinary people from my village in the Transylvania series. Character and beauty in pictures can only emerge in interaction with the personality of the people portrayed. Everything else is empty for me».
Kristian Schuller, “Bottle III”, 2008, photographic print. © Kristian Schuller, courtesy Jaeger Art Berlin
Kristian Schuller came to Germany from Transylvania / Romania with his family at the age of seven. As the son of a dramaturge and director and an art teacher, he grew up surrounded by a theater stage and a wide variety of creative influences. He studied photography with F. C. Gundlach and fashion design with Vivienne Westwood at the Berlin University of the Arts. Although he ultimately decided to pursue a career as a photographer after his studies, both disciplines continue to shape his artistic identity to this day. After his introduction by Isabella Blow at Condé Nast Publications in London, Kristian continued to work internationally with various fashion magazines, commercial clients and on personal projects.
Kristian Schuller, “Penélope Cruz” 2012, photographic print. © Kristian Schuller, courtesy Jaeger Art Berlin
His wife Peggy is an art director and fashion designer and works as a team with Kristian. They met in Vivienne Westwood’s class, where Peggy also studied. Her designs and creative input play an important role in his work. After years in Paris and New York, Kristian Schuller returned to Berlin with his family. He has had photo exhibitions in Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Krakow, Lisbon, Miami and Hamburg. His published books include 90 Days, One Dream (2010), Tales for Oskar (2014) and Anton’s Berlin (2020) with Hatje Cantz.
Bruno Sain
Info:
Kristian Schuller. Pictures
9.03.2025 – 21.04.2025
Kunstraum Potsdam
c/o Waschhaus Potsdam
Schiffbauergasse 4d
14467 Potsdam
kunstraumpotsdam.de
is a contemporary art magazine since 1980
NO COMMENT