OVADA Associates Feature Artist: Aindreas Scholz

Associate Q&As with Aindreas Scholz

Introduction

I was born to an Anglo-Irish mother and a Sudeten-German father in Wiesbaden, Germany, where I experienced a culturally rich upbringing, dividing my time between Ireland and Germany in a bilingual family setting. My artistic journey unfolded as I studied photography at the Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) under the mentorship of Dr. Anthony Haughey, igniting a profound interest in visual narratives.

Relocating to London, United Kingdom, I pursued postgraduate studies at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Under the mentorship of Turner Prize-winning luminaries such as Dr. Elizabeth Price, Grayson Perry, Mark Leckey, and Laure Prouvost, I delved into critical and contemporary art-making theories and practices.

Equipped with this broad knowledge, I further honed my skills as a teacher at the Institute of Education, University College London, specializing in imparting art and photography education to young people. 

Through the fusion of 19th-century and contemporary photographic techniques, my artistic endeavours seek to pioneer sustainable printing practices amid the burgeoning climate crisis while relentlessly exploring the limits of technical, creative, and conceptual realms. Every image I create is a nuanced response to specific sites, intricately weaving narratives that delve into the interconnectedness between humans, non-humans, and the broader environment.

My exploration delves into the concept of deep time, rooted in geological processes, juxtaposed against the immediacy of weather phenomena and the repercussions of a warming climate. Central to my practice is the imperative to document change, a thematic thread woven intricately into every visual narrative, echoing the urgency of our evolving world.

Collaboration with the elements becomes a pivotal aspect of my creative process, whether it be the immersion in sea water, the patter of rain, or the delicate nature of plant specimens. Sunlight, silt, and soil are not mere components but integral forces shaping an inner world within my images, forging a visceral connection with the viewers.

I aspire for my work to transcend mere observation, sparking conversations that I actively engage with, fostering a continuous evolution both as an image-maker and an individual. In this symbiotic relationship between art and environment, my images become catalysts for dialogue, prompting reflection and contributing to a broader discourse on our collective responsibility in the face of environmental transformation.

What are you currently working on?

In my current series, The Most Beautiful Anthropocene, I seamlessly integrate two 19th-century Victorian photographic printing techniques — cyanotype and lumen. This intricate process involves the exploration of expired Black & White photographic darkroom paper, cyanotype solution, and UV light, resulting in the creation of distinctive cyanolumens using exclusively organic materials.

Each site becomes a collaborative partner as I engage with the elements — be it seawater, rain, or plant specimens. Sunlight, silt, and soil converge in a harmonious dance, shaping an inner world within my images that resonates with viewers. My intention is to not only stimulate conversations but to actively participate in them, fostering my growth as an individual through meaningful engagement with my audience.

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Where do you work? Do you have studio space?

I work primarily in the field, conducting experimental field research that is deeply rooted in the specific landscapes I investigate. My artistic practice is place-led, meaning I proactively seek out vulnerable and remote environments threatened by human-induced climate change. Over the years, I've ventured to remote coastal communities across the Middle East, the Republic of Ireland, and the Scottish Isles.

Upon identifying a suitable location, I establish temporary residence in nearby artist residencies or studio spaces that facilitate my creative process. These spaces provide me with the necessary infrastructure and inspiration to immerse myself fully in my work.

However, my engagement doesn't end there. Once my fieldwork is completed, I return home to London, where I continue to refine and develop my artistic projects through post-production processes. This dynamic workflow allows me to seamlessly integrate my experiences from the field with my creative endeavours, resulting in creative outcomes that reflect both the beauty and fragility of our natural world.

What are you hoping to achieve over the next year?

In the coming year, my primary goal is to pinpoint a landscape significantly impacted by climate change, where I can conduct extended visual documentation. Beyond capturing the environmental shifts, I aim to foster a participatory and socially engaging community practice. Specifically, I aspire to collaborate with remote coastal communities profoundly affected by our changing climate, aiming to amplify their voices and experiences through my artistic endeavours. This dual focus on environmental documentation and community engagement aligns with my commitment to shedding light on the interconnectedness of humans and non-humans amidst these pressing environmental challenges.

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Describe the last time you felt inspired

The last time I felt inspired was during my experimentation with an innovative finishing technique aimed at protecting my vulnerable outcomes from potential deterioration. Despite encountering initial setbacks and mistakes, I remained determined to refine my approach. 

Through persistence and adaptability, I eventually achieved the desired results. This experience of learning from failure and overcoming obstacles has ignited a renewed sense of motivation within me. It has reinforced my belief in the value of experimentation and the importance of pushing past setbacks to achieve creative success.

How does your OVADA associate membership benefit you?

Becoming an OVADA associate member offers me a multifaceted array of benefits. Firstly, it provides a valuable support system, connecting me with a community of fellow artists and enthusiasts who understand the challenges and triumphs of creative pursuits. This network not only fosters collaboration but also offers opportunities for constructive feedback and mentorship, facilitating my growth as an artist.

Moreover, my OVADA associate membership serves as a wellspring of inspiration, exposing me to diverse artistic perspectives and innovative approaches through exhibitions, workshops, and events. Engaging with the work of others stimulates my own creativity, sparking new ideas and pushing me to explore uncharted artistic territories.

Additionally, being part of OVADA motivates me to continuously push my creative boundaries and seek out new opportunities for artistic expression. OVADA's commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic artistic community encourages me to take risks, experiment with different mediums, and pursue ambitious projects that I might not have considered otherwise.

Overall, my OVADA associate membership enriches my artistic journey by providing essential support, inspiration, and motivation, enabling me to thrive as a creative individual.

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How do you feel the arts benefit society?

The visual arts play a pivotal role in shaping and enriching society in myriad ways. As an artist actively engaged in addressing contemporary and pressing issues like climate change, I've personally witnessed the transformative power of art. Through visual expression, art has the capacity to captivate viewers and prompt deep reflection on our collective behaviours and values.

In my view, one of the greatest strengths of visual arts lies in its ability to arrest the viewer, compelling us to pause and contemplate the complexities of the world around us. By presenting thought-provoking perspectives and narratives, art encourages empathy, understanding, and critical thinking, fostering a more nuanced appreciation of diverse experiences and shared viewpoints.

Furthermore, exposure to art has the potential to influence individual behaviour and societal norms over time. Through encounters with the work of other artists, I've experienced firsthand how visual art can challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and inspire meaningful change. These transformative experiences serve as catalysts for personal growth and collective action, contributing to the ongoing evolution of society.

Overall, the arts serve as a powerful catalyst for social change, offering a platform for dialogue, expression, and reflection on the pressing issues of our time. By fostering creativity, empathy, and critical engagement, art enhances our collective well-being and contributes to the advancement of a more inclusive, enlightened, and empathetic society.

You can see more of Aindreas’ work at:

Website: http://www.aindreasscholz.com/index.html

Instagram: @aindreasscholz