Gallery LouLou of Santa Fe Presents Stefanie Schneider

A solo exhibition of the latest photo novel by German photographer Stefanie Schneider. 20 Limited Edition C-Prints opens October 18, 2007.

(PRWEB) October 1, 2007 -- Sidewinder, a euphemism for both a missile and a rattlesnake, hints at the libidinal and emotional dangers that were risked by Schneider and J.D. Rudometkin. Internet created the scenario for Sidewinder where Stefanie met an ex-theologian, who agreed to her idea to live with her for five weeks in the scrubland desert environment of Southern California. The dynamic of their relationship, both sexually and emotionally, is the primary subject matter of this series of photographs. Their relative isolation contrasted with their close proximity, the tensions, conflicts, domination and submission, reveal the day-to-day evolution of their relationship.

That a time limit was set on this relationship experiment was not the least important aspect of the project. Perhaps more than any other of her photo-novels it was the most spontaneous and immediate; the explicit and direct character of their relationship at this time opens up the question as to the biographical role Schneider plays in all her work. She makes and directs the work while simultaneously dwelling within the artistic processes as they unfold becoming both the author and character, conceiving the frame within which things will take place, and yet still subject to the same unpredictable outcomes that can emerge in the process.

The American Rudometkin, who speaks poetically, "Torn Stevie, wrote the text and music accompanying the DVD. Scars from the weapon to her toes an accidental act of God her father said. On Vaness at California." The mix of hip reverie and fantasy-based language of his text echoes the chaotic unfolding of their daily life during this period and is evident in the almost sun-bleached Polaroid images such as Whiskey Dance, where the two abandon themselves to the frenetic moment.    

Stefanie, a Cuxhaven-born 36-year-old, was brought up on Super-8 films shot by her mother -- she says she was born with a camera. Two decades later and a MFA from the Folkwang Schule in Essen. Schneider held her first solo exhibition in LA. Today, numerous solo and group shows are exhibited in the US, France, Switzerland and Germany. Stefanie lives and works between Berlin and LA. The two cities don't have the same status in her lifework. While Berlin-Friedrichshain -- where she got "sort of stuck" -- has accommodated her post-production headquarters for the last three years, LA is her true love. As chance and a filmmaker boyfriend
took her there seven years ago, she recalls: "As soon as I got off the plane I loved it. For the first time I could breathe and I felt free. LA is my city."

Schneider's book "Stranger than Paradise" will be available for purchase at the gallery.

Sidewinder
October 18, 2007 - November 12, 2007
Opening Reception Friday October 19, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Live music by Tim Valentine -- Film "Stay" scenes from the exhibition -- Gluhwein * Hot Wine.

Owners: Louellen Smiley and Rudy Funk.    
Gallery LouLou presents their second exhibition at the new gallery in Santa Fe.

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