Schemen uns ähnlicher Wesen
und ihr ungeordnetes Pläsier
The series “schemes of beings similar to us and their disorderly pleasure” is based on a processual approach involving research and experimental practice in order to examine those moments in which human bodies and objects become visible or elude visibility. The works focus on the moment of equilibrium between bodies and things that have a specific presence. The momentary materialization of fleeting forms—whether found by chance or created playfully—refers to states of uncertainty, becoming, and decay. This tension gives rise to sculptural structures that, in their temporary solidification, represent frozen metamorphoses, as it were.The collection contrasts phenomena such as dissolution and ascent, tension and relaxation, the phantasmal and the abstract, sensuality and decay, nervousness and calm, as well as forms of distortion and even disfigurement. Many of the photographs are the result of performative experiments with people and a variety of materials.Valerie Schmidt's earlier works focused on the theme of fainting—especially in the context of female body representations in the late 19th century.
The focus was on analyzing the body language of staged, often “decorative” poses. The works collected in this book build on these investigations by further exploring the subliminal forms of expression of human and non-human bodies.
Book, A5 format, 68 pages, printed on metapaper extrarough white 120g/mÇ thread stitching, linen cover, printed in Berlin, 2021, edition of 250.
