Re-creating. Master class with Floris Schoenfeld
One of the most recognized trademarks of Floris Schönfeld`s works is his particular and profound
approach to the process of artistic creation - he conducts interviews with an anthropological depth
and gathers documental facts, later synthesizing the obtained data with his own imaginatively
generated and often absurd contents, creating a sophisticated and witty fiction. Visually presenting
it through the formats of performance, installation and video. Shönfeld`s virtuosity lies in his
capacity to turn objective and documental data into new, conceptually and artistically unique,
surreal forms.
The focus of his work in the last years has been on a rather eccentric groups and communities such
as Klingon language enthusiasts, LARPists, voodoo practitioners etc. Two of his works are a great
example: The QIH Act – Klingon Musical Artifact #6 from the project u – a Klingon Opera (2012-2016)
and The Richest Family; The Early Episodes (2014), presented in the exhibition Today I`m a Mermaid.
Tomorrow I`ll be a Unicorn.
Participation in the workshop will give young artists and other interested parties an opportunity to
get to know this creatively systematic approach through practice. Together with Schönfeld,
participants will explore the archive of the Latvian Museum of Photography, choosing concrete
materials and objects to work with. The participants will then be encouraged to re-interpret the
known by playing with meanings and the historical context of the chosen materials in order to
creative new, conceptually and visually unique narratives - sketches for potential art projects. Thus
the masterclass will not only provide an opportunity to enrich your knowledge and views, but also,
possibly, to gain inspiring ideas and methodological tools useful for your creative development.
Application - by completing the application form till April 2, 2018. Additional
information via email: elina.kempele@rpbiennal.com
Curator: Elīna Ķempele (LV)
Organizer: Riga Photography Biennial in cooperation with Gallery MuseumLV, Latvian Museum of Photography and U.S. Embassy in Latvia
Image: Floris Schönfeld. u-Klingonu opera, 2009-2012