‘Portrait of Britain’, A Nationwide Exhibition, September 2017

The magazine 'British Journal of Photography' is annually organizing a competition and exhibition, which showcases the many faces of modern Britain. In partnership with JCDecaux, an out-of-home advertising company, this is thebiggest public outdoor showcase of contemporary photography.

I am trilled to announce that one on my images is among the 100 selected portraits. Throughout September those images will be displayed on high streets, roadsides and in transport hubs, visible to an audience of millions.

About the image 'Memories': 96 year old Daphne Davis has lived in the same house in Edgware since 1954, the year she got married. Daphne remarks that she hasn't had a professional portrait taken before in her lifetime, except for her wedding photograph.

The image is from the project 'Once upon a Time', which is inspired by a quote from the movie 'The Straight Story' by David Lynch: "The worst thing about being old is remembering what it was being young". However, when I ask my sitters about the past, what comes up is the stories they cherish, the people they most love and the magical places they visited.

The series is still in development, more to come soon.

'Astrid Schulz Costume Design' launched a new website

I would like to welcome you to my brand new website! Over the last years I have grown and so has my portfolio and experience. It was time to create a new 'shop window' that reflects that. And here it is - please visit astridschulzcostume.work

I hope you will agree with me: the new site is easier to navigate and ultimately much more fun. And finally, it is mobile friendly :) Please test it for me and let me know if there is anything that still needs improving. 

As I am in the process of renewal, I will do the same with my photography website in the coming month. Watch this space and come back for more!


PS: It has been quite a journey up to this point. Lots of memories came up whilst digging out the wonderful projects throughout my creative history which are featured on my new costume site. I would like to thank those who worked with me and I wish plenty more opportunities will come up for all of us.

'Chaeg Magazine' no 22, December 2016

Does anyone of you speak Korean? Please please help me translate :)))

Perhaps you remember my creative photography project 'Playing Cards' from 2014, which is playfully observing our daily routine on mobile devices. It seems that mobile phones and tablets have become our new best friends, we never leave them unattended. But what happens to the seemingly endless stream of data we leave behind? All this private information we post and tweet about our lives; where is it really going? Who is the one that is pulling the strings???

The project has been picked up by the South-Korean cultural magazine 'Chaeg' which is dedicated to the world of books, with special care for contemporary photography. The 'Playing Cards' series is featured on the cover and the article is spread over 4 double pages. If only I could read the text... :)))

Credits: Photography & Styling: Astrid Schulz   /  Make-up: Mary Ellen Lamb  /  Hair: Michael Ptootch & Sophia Eltayeb at salon Flaxon Ptootch (Chaeng ISBN: 9-772383-750001)

'Social Documentary Network': Featured Photographer of the Month, January 2016

Announcement: This month I was honored for my book project 100 Faces of Viet Nam by the organization Social Documentary Network and featured on their SPOTLIGHT newsletter.

Their comment: "At a time of so much tension in the world, it is heartening to see an exhibit about a country experiencing a renaissance of human potential 40 years after fighting and winning a devastating war against the U.S. and has now come to be our friend. Schulz's photographs are heavily influenced by her theater and TV background as evidenced by the impeccable composition and lighting of each frame. She also adds  intimate and important details about her subjects. Astrid's words and photos together weave an important story about the resiliency of the human spirit".

The featured portfolio 100 Faces of Viet Nam is showing a selection of portraits across Viet Nam, representing a society, which is on the brink of change. It shows the people from a developing country caught between tradition and modernity. Photographed in 5 different cities from the North to the South, these portraits allow a view into people’s homes and work places plus an insight into their lives and concerns – some of them are unexpected...

Have a look at: http://socialdocumentary.net/exhibit/Astrid_Schulz/3242

'Hairdresses' at Galerie Sali E Tabacchi, 08.05 - 05.06.15

The series ‘Hairdressers’ is ready to go on the wall in  Saarbrücken, Germany.

With generous support by photographer Jörg Karrenbauer, ARTgenosse Albert Herbig and Hahnemühle FineArt paper, my 12 guys in curlers will enjoy a comeback at Sali e Tabacchi in May 2015.


Venue address: Galerie Sali E Tabacchi, Feldmannstrasse 144, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany
Opening Times: Mo, Wed & Fri: 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Private View: Friday, 08.05.15, from 7.00pm



The series ‘Hairdressers’ is inspired by the novel Egalia's Daughters in which the protagonists swapped gender based roles. One particular scene stuck to my mind: men were sitting at a beauty salon, with curlers in their hair and beards. Or waxing of their chest hair, having face masks and so forth. I began to explore: how do men feel and act when being confronted with characteristic female beauty treatment?

The project exists in collaboration with hair & make-up artist Konnie Daniel, who created wonderful effects with her fabulous collection of vintage curlers. For a preview click here.

'Made in Senegal' at Gallery Ethiopiques, 12.02 - 27.02.15

Announcement: my artist residency in Senegal is soon coming to its final stage.  The preparations for the final photography exhibition is well on its way. I will be showing 20 portraits, created in Saint Louis, alongside a small selection of images from the series 'Made in Vietnam'.

Venue: galérie Éthiopiques, rue Khalifa Ababacar Sy x Potin, Saint Louis du Senegal

Opening party: Thursday,  12 February 2015, 5pm - 8pm
Opening times: daily except Sunday, 10am - 6pm

The focus of this exhibition is on small scale farmers, family run food production businesses as well as livestock keepers, highlighting their importance for local communities. I would like to acknowledge the people who are directly involved in food production and thoroughly rely on making a living from the 'fruits' of their hands. The project was started in Vietnam in 2013 and I am now investigating local food traditions in different continents (the next one will be in Latin America).

"We often forget how labor intensive it is to produce what we eat. Especially in the Western world the connection between food and nature seems to get lost. With my images I would like to reestablish a relationship with the origin of food provisions".

Link for viewing a selection of the images: www.astridschulz.com/senegal/

Project: ‘Made in Senegal', Artist Resdency, 15.01 – 16.02.15

More than a year after my productive time in Central Vietnam, I am returning to my project on local small scale 'food production'. This time I am invited for a further Artist Residency at Waaw in Saint-Louis in Senegal.

Intention of the project: we often forget how labor intensive it is to produce what we eat. Especially in the Western world the connection between food and nature seems to get lost. Therefore I am going to visit fisherman and small-scale farmers as well as family run production businesses in the region around Saint Louis. For the duration of 3 weeks I will take portraits of people with their products in order to re-establish a relationship with the origin of food provisions.

Waaw is an artists' residence, which aims to promote Senegalese and African culture and to facilitate cultural exchange by bringing people together for work or study. The main focus is on art and design. Waaw provides a work base and accommodation for creative people seeking inspiration in the local environment and culture.

My time in Saint-Louis starts on 16^th January and I am working towards an exhibition, which opens mid February. The exhibition is going to feature a series of portraits, featuring people who are physically involved with growing or producing Senegalese food including fishing or life stock keeping. Next to the local portraits I will also exhibit some of the images, which I created in Vietnam in 2013.

Further information will follow in time...

'Playing Cards', at Flaxon Ptootch Salon, 11.12.14 - 14.01.15

Christmas party at the legendary Flaxon Ptootch hair salon: come and get your 'Playing Cards'!

The project itself is a collaboration between myself and the fabulous team at the Flaxon Ptootch hair salon: together we created a set of playing cards. We wish to have them ready for the event and additionally exhibit the images for one month, starting on 11th December.  

Please come and join us for entertainment, drinks and games on our private view & Christmas event: Thursday, 11.12.14, 7.00pm - 10.00pm 

Venue: Flaxon Ptootch, 237 Kentish Town Rd, Kentish Town, London NW5 2JT

Opening times: Mo, Thurs & Fri: 10.30am – 7.00pm

Wed: 10.30 to late / Sat: early to 7.00pm / Tuesday & Sunday: closed

The ‘Playing Cards’ project is playfully observing our daily routine on mobile devices. It seems that mobile phones and tablets have become our new best friends, we never leave them unattended. But what happens to the seemingly endless stream of data we leave behind? All this private information we post and tweet about our lives; where is it really going? Who is the one that knows everything about us? Come and find out on 11th December...

'Farmers (from: Made in Vietnam)' at the Vietnamese Caphe House, 01.12.14 - 30.06.15

Finally, some of the wonderful people I photographed in Vietnam will be on display in a London based Vietnamese coffee shop.

The series 'Farmers' were part of a larger body of work which I created during my artist residency in 2013. After being exhibited in Hue and Hanoi, the images were shipped to London and since waiting to see the light of day again. Eight images will be chosen and exchanged in February for another selection of farmers. The exhibition will last for 6 month in total.

In order to celebrate, please join me on Saturday, 6 December at 3.30 for an informal opening / ‘caphe’ meeting. 

Venue: Caphe House at 114 Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey, London SE1 3TX


Opening times:
Mon - Fri: 8am – 5.00pm

 / Sat: 9am – 5.00pm / Sun: closed
Also closed for 3 weeks from 20 December to 10 January!!!

About the images: the project has been created in honour of micro food production households and features people who are physically involved in growing or producing food from their homes and gardens. We often forget how labour intensive it is to produce what we eat. Especially in the Western world the connection between food and nature seems to get lost. Therefore I visited small-scale farmers and family run production businesses and took portraits of people with their products in order to re-establish a relationship with the origin of food provisions. The series will be continued in Senegal from January to February 2015.

'Wedding Projection' for Michael and Lucy, 24.08.14

With pleasure and joy I would like to announce the wedding of Michael & Lucy, which took place on 24th August in Kentish Town.

This exiting event provided me with an interesting photo opportunity. Video designer & animation director Zsolt Balogh was commissioned to produce a gigantic projection for the wedding reception. Zsolt created 5 superimposed images in total, displayed via 3 projectors against the wall of the entire venue and the effect was absolutely amazing.

The photography for the projection was provided by me (full body shots, see above) and photographer Douglas Cape (close ups). In case you getting inspired in having something like this for your wedding or other special events, you know where to find us... :)

'Playing Cards', new creative project at Flaxon Ptootch

With joy and anticipation, I started a new series: for the coming weeks I will be working on a set of playing cards - based on real life observations and modern ways of communication...

My creative partners are Michael Phootch, owner of the legendary hair saloon and gallery Flaxon Phootch, his hair styling colleague Sophia Eltayeb and the wonderful make-up artist  Mary Ellen Lamb.

Almost all models are clients and friends from the fan club of the hair saloon, demonstrating the skill set of Michael (King of Kentish Town, see picture) and Sophia. However, we are still short of one king... Any brave takers?

Watch this space!!! There will be an exhibition in December, just in time before Christmas. Pop in and see for yourself: this is not just a hair saloon!!!

Further announcements will follow shortly.

Project: 'Food in Vietnam', Artist Residency, 01.10 – 30.11.13

Having been invited by the New Space Arts Foundation (NSAF) in Hue, Central Vietnam, I am currently working in an Artist Residency and slowly making progress with a series of images on 'food production'. 

NSAF is run by twin brothers Thanh & Hai, who are bringing together national and international artist in order to exchange work practices across all fields of creative expressions. 

My time in Hue started on 1st October and I am working towards an exhibition, which opens on 20 November 2013. The exhibition will feature a series of portraits, featuring people who are physically involved with growing or producing Vietnamese food including fishing or life stock keeping (example on the left: 'peanut farmer').

We often forget how labor intensive it is to produce what we eat. Especially in the Western world the connection between food and nature seems to get lost. Therefore I visited small-scale farmers and family run production businesses and took portraits of people with their products in order to reestablish a relationship with the origin of food provisions.

Link for viewing a selection of the images: 'Made in Vietnam - Farmers'

‘The Magic Man’ - A Photography Exhibition at Davenports, 08.10 - 30.11.12

Who is he, that Magic Man? Will he be able to help us with enchanting our lives - or does he need help to entangle his own? If you would like to know a typical day-to-day scenario in the life of a bewitched magician, then come to Davenports Magic Shop and view his tricks through the window.
 


'The Magic Man' is a joined photography project by Philip Philmar and Astrid Schulz, commissioned by Bill Roy from Davenports. The images of wired and wonderful magical moments can be seen Monday to Saturdays, from early morning to 9pm.

We would love you to join us on our opening reception on Tuesday, 16 October 2012, from 6pm - 8.30pm
. Be prepared for surprises!!!

Venue: Lewis Davenport Magic, 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade at Exit 9, The Strand, London, WC2N 4HZ


Davenports is a magic shop, supplying everything around magic tricks that a real magician desires. You will find magic DVDs, magic tricks, magic books, magic courses and even a magic theatre. The company was established in 1898 by Lewis Davenport, which makes it the oldest magic family business in the world!!!

Attention: Davenports is hidden in the Underground tunnels of Charing Cross tube station. Don’t get lost, call 020 7836 0408 for directions.


'Perfect Storms' - The Varian Disaster: TV Documentary

 
The Battle of the Toutoburg Forest, also called the 'Varian Disaster' took place in 9 CE. This battle, which was lost by the Romans, probably changed history in Europe forever as the Romans were to make no more attempts to conquer and permanently hold Germania beyond the river thereafter.

Now, 2000 years later, the battle has raised interest again and was topic of major exhibitions in Germany as well as TV reconstructions.

Astrid was lucky to have been commissioned to work on a documentary by a Canadian TV company, which came to the UK for a documentary series. The battle was performed by UK re-enactors, playing Roman soldiers or Iron Age warriors (stills from the film: www.astridschulz.com/varian/).

This series of portraits was made in the forest after the battle and can be seen on Astrid's web portfolio (www.astridschulz.com/warriors).

'Kate's Journal': How to remain positive during breast cancer!

This is an appeal for help to set up a photography exhibition for the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ in October. We need assistance with marketing & fund-raising.

We, this is myself as the photographer and Kate Sims, breast cancer survivor and the star of my portraiture series, taken during her course of treatment and recovery.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK; 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. We would like to give hope to those affected and raise awareness in collaboration with a charity organization. We are short of £250 for renting a Charing Cross based gallery and for marketing our special events. If you are someone or know of the right person, who is interested in working with us on an extremely rewarding mission, please get in touch and ask for details.

'Kate's Journal' can be viewed here

'At the Hairdressers': Astrid's new series is completed!

I am delighted to announce that the project has come to an end – although I am also a bit sad because I enjoyed working on this project tremendously. However, Konnie Daniel, my wonderful friend and excellent hairstylist has now used all her curlers from her collection in various combinations - so this has to be it, I’m afraid.

Special thanks to Dave, Aurelien, Kirk and Martin for their patience and good humour - and also to the London Academy, who kindly allowed us to work in their studio (www.media-courses.com).

The project can be seen at Hairdressers
More information about the series can be found two bogs down.

Again: In Astrid's ‘Hairdresser’ project all characters are fictional. There is very little relationship between the sitter and the suggestions made about them…


The project will be exhibited later in the year. Watch this space...

'At the Hairdressers': Astrid's new series, Part 2

As a teenager Astrid enjoyed reading a novel called Egalia's Daughter (by the Norwegian Gerd Mjøen Brantenberg) in which the protagonists swapped gender based rolls. One particular scene stuck to Astrid’s mind: men were sitting at a beauty salon, with curlers in their hair and beards. Or waxing of their chest hair, having face masks and so forth… They were gossiping, opening their hearts, socializing, or simply observed their transformation - quietly.

Back to the future, Astrid thought this would be an interesting topic to explore. How do men feel and act when confronted with characteristic female beauty treatment?

Nowadays the beauty industry as a close eye on men, trying to turn them into paying customers. Apparently, male grooming is in fashion (according to the advertising industry). I still recall the 80s, when this was really happening. Many men desired to have their hair permed, inspired by stars like Hollywood actor Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky & Hutch) or Kevin Keegan (when he was young...) or certain bands with big hair, (remember glam rock?). However, men would visit hairdressers rather secretively. The trick is to look ‘natural’ after you are done.

The project can be seen at Hairdressers

Please note: In Astrid's ‘Hairdresser’ project all characters are fictional. There is very little relationship between the sitter and the suggestions made about them…

'The Wedding Pubs', inspired by the Royal Wedding in London, 29.04.11

On 29 April 2011 the citizens of the UK, it not the whole world, held their breath and followed the most prestigious wedding of this century so far: the Royal wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton. An estimated one million people lined the streets in London to witness the procession. But not everybody managed to get a good view. For those who missed the highlights, feel free to have a look at these wedding images, which were taken inside 22 of London's favourite entertainment places: the 'Public Houses' in the Borough of Westminster…

Please follow the full event on www.astridschulz.com/wedding-pubs

'At the Hairdressers': Astrid's new series needs your help!

Round one is completed: Astrid has started a new series. The theme is 'male grooming', a free interpretation of the return of the gigolo... Long hair is in (apparently) and so are beards. It's fun to dress up again and its OK to be sexy!

Astrid's creative partner is the professional and highly talented hair stylist Konnie Daniel, who is the proud owner of a remarkable collection of curlers. Konnie is usually working on feature films and on TV productions as a make-up and hair designer (her impressive CV includes Killing Bono & 28 Days Later).

Special thanks to Chris, Tom, Boaz and Frey for their patience and good humour - and also to the London Academy, who kindly allowed us to work in their studio (www.media-courses.com).

For the second round Astrid and Konnie need new models. Please come forward, if you are a man with long'ish hair - or if you know of any charming men who would enjoy a cheerful photo session for a possible exhibition (all age-groups wanted!).

PLEASE - DON'T BE SHY - GET IN TOUCH: info@astridschulz.com