The Most Beautiful Anthropocene

Aindreas Scholz

Residency and workshop
2024

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As a conscientious creator of analog images deeply attuned to environmental concerns, my mission is to pioneer sustainable photographic printing practices, pushing the boundaries of technical, conceptual, and creative realms. Grounded in a responsive approach to specific sites, my work explores the intricate interplay between humans, non-humans, nature, and the broader environment.

Conversations sparked by my art serve as catalysts for my continual growth. Delving into the profound processes of deep time through geological exploration and capturing the immediate impacts of adverse weather and a shifting climate due to human influence are central to my evolving photographic practice. The essence of change is pivotal in my work, evident in every image I create.

In my series, The Most Beautiful Anthropocene, I seamlessly integrated two 19thcentury Victorian photographic printing techniques—cyanotype and lumen. This intricate process involved the exploration of expired 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.

Aindreas Scholz

Born to an Anglo-Irish mother and a Sudeten-German father in Wiesbaden, Germany,

Scholz experienced a culturally rich upbringing, dividing his time between Ireland and Germany in a bilingual family setting. His artistic journey unfolded as he 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, Scholz 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, he delved into critical and contemporary art-making theories and practices.

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

His works have been exhibited across European events, including Rotterdam Photo Festival 2022 XL in the Netherlands, and Rotlicht Festival for Analog Photography 2022 in Vienna, Austria, where he was a joint-winner.

Scholz's works have been recognized at important environmental exhibitions like Climanosco in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and Extraction: Loss and Restoration in King’s Lynn, United Kingdom.

Most recent events include FUTURES Photography 2023, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, nominated by PhotoIreland. Scholz's artistic contributions have been acquired by the Office of Public Works in Ireland, the NHS Foundation Trust in England, Goldsmiths College in the United Kingdom, and the collections of IBASHO Gallery and Frédéric de Goldschmidt both in Belgium.

Scholz currently resides and works in London, United Kingdom.