Helene Schmitz

-In what way does your chosen piece for HRW reflect 2020?

In my recent work, I use classical landscape painting as my reference. I seek to capture the sublime beauty of the places I photograph with the traces and scars left by humankind. On one hand we adore the beauty of nature in an almost religious way. On the other hand, we exploit natural resources on a scale and pace Mother Earth has never witnessed before. I think ”Aesthetics of Violence" reflects this doubleness.

-What gives you hope?

Young people give me hope. The fight for change by people like Greta Thunberg will hopefully lead the political discourse in a more sustainable direction.

BIO

Helene Schmitz takes interest in the complicated and sometimes violent relationship between humans and Nature. Through her photography she explores how science, art and literature depict Nature and its forces. Schmitz draws inspiration from these areas of knowledge and how they influence our understanding of the natural world. Her work often makes us question our preconceptions. Cinematography is an important source of inspiration in her exploration of architecture and spatiality. She takes interest in spaces as carriers of meaning, memories and references. Schmitz's work is published in award-winning books in collaboration with writers, philosophers and historians. She is part of The Feral Atlas Collective. Schmitz has realised many exhibitions and projects in Europe, USA and Japan, and her work is represented in prominent public and private collections in Sweden and abroad.

http://www.heleneschmitz.se/ Instagram: @heleneschmitz

This artwork is located in Stockholm, Sweden. WILLAS contemporary will facilitate artwork release within 21 days after payment. Can be picked up by the buyer, or shipped at the buyer´s expense.