'fLIP Magazine' no 37, Summer Issue 2017

A new fLIP magazine came out. Fresh from the printer, this years Summer issue carries the title 'Storytelling'. Four of my images from the series '100 Faces of Viet Nam' are included, telling the story of 4 young people from Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An.

About the pictures: In the years from 2013 to 2016 I was commissioned to take photographs of people in various cities of Viet Nam. In each place I visited around 30 people in their homes or at work and asked them about their life. The images are forming one chapter in four books, which otherwise documents the urban developments of Vietnam's fast growing cities - in between ancient traditions & modernity. If you want to find out more about the project or the books, please get in touch.

fLIP is an independent magazine, which is published three times per year by the London Independent Photographers (LIP). It is available at various stockists across London, including the Tate Modern Bookshop, National Portrait, Serpentine Gallery Bookshop, Whitechapel Gallery Bookshop and many more.

‘Portrait of Britain’, A Nationwide Exhibition, September 2017

The magazine 'British Journal of Photography' is annually organizing a competition and exhibition, which showcases the many faces of modern Britain. In partnership with JCDecaux, an out-of-home advertising company, this is thebiggest public outdoor showcase of contemporary photography.

I am trilled to announce that one on my images is among the 100 selected portraits. Throughout September those images will be displayed on high streets, roadsides and in transport hubs, visible to an audience of millions.

About the image 'Memories': 96 year old Daphne Davis has lived in the same house in Edgware since 1954, the year she got married. Daphne remarks that she hasn't had a professional portrait taken before in her lifetime, except for her wedding photograph.

The image is from the project 'Once upon a Time', which is inspired by a quote from the movie 'The Straight Story' by David Lynch: "The worst thing about being old is remembering what it was being young". However, when I ask my sitters about the past, what comes up is the stories they cherish, the people they most love and the magical places they visited.

The series is still in development, more to come soon.

'Astrid Schulz Costume Design' launched a new website

I would like to welcome you to my brand new website! Over the last years I have grown and so has my portfolio and experience. It was time to create a new 'shop window' that reflects that. And here it is - please visit astridschulzcostume.work

I hope you will agree with me: the new site is easier to navigate and ultimately much more fun. And finally, it is mobile friendly :) Please test it for me and let me know if there is anything that still needs improving. 

As I am in the process of renewal, I will do the same with my photography website in the coming month. Watch this space and come back for more!


PS: It has been quite a journey up to this point. Lots of memories came up whilst digging out the wonderful projects throughout my creative history which are featured on my new costume site. I would like to thank those who worked with me and I wish plenty more opportunities will come up for all of us.

'100 Faces of Viet Nam (2)', KOLGA Award nomination & Photo Festival, 05 - 13.05.17

I am trilled to announce the outcome of the Kolga Award in 2017: Various images of mine have been nominated to be among the best projects; they will be exhibited during the KOLGA TBILISI PHOTO Festival and celebrated at the opening event on 5th May.

This year the jury went for another selection of 10 images from my documentary series '100 Faces of Viet Nam'. The images were taken from 2013 - 2016 and demonstrate scenes of life and work in the cities of Vietnam.

Another nomination went in favor of the portrait 'Mbaye' from the series 'Made in Senegal' in the category 'One Shot'. This body of work is depicting small scale food producers; it was created during my artist residency in Saint Lewis, Senegal.

However, I am particularly proud about the nomination of 'Daphne' (from the series 'Once upon a Time'). This is a brand new project, dealing with memories on how it felt to be young.

Venue for the award exhibition: 14 Kostava Street, Art-space at the Hippodrome Park, Tamarashvili Str.13, Tbilisi, Georgia
Opening event: 5th May 2017 at 8pm
Professional week: 5th - 11th May 2017

For further information about the festival please click here: https://www.kolga.ge

'People of the City', Exhibition & Book Launch, 16.03.17

Another photo book is about to be ready!!! Michael Waibel's latest publication on urban city development is going to be in print this week and will be available from 16th March. This time we were exploring the recent developments in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

As you might know, in the years from 2013 to 2016 I was commissioned to take photographs of people in major cities of Vietnam. In addition to this, we are now proud to announce book number 5, for which I traveled to Cambodia's capital city last year in September.

With support of the Goethe Institute and the Meta House, a German-Cambodian cultural centre, we are now preparing our informative book launch event, which will also feature a selection of my images in the exhibition hall (image preview).

The show will last for one month from 16th March to 17th April 2017
Venue: Meta House, 37 Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Exhibition opening and launch event: 16th March, 6pm 
Talks and guest speakers:Nico Mesterharm (Meta House), Astrid Schulz, Michael Waibel

Statement:
'The photos of this exhibition are taken for chapter 4 in Dr Michael Waibel’s latest photo book ‘Phnom Penh: CAPITAL CITY’. In this chapter, a variety of residents have been asked to comment on their impressions and relationships to the city they call home. Astrid wanted to take a closer look behind the facade and explore how people use their personal space. The outcome is a collection of enticing insights into homes and workplaces spanning rich and poor, younger and older generations, migrants and those who have lived there all their lives and helped shaping the city'.

The book 'Phnom Penh CAPITAL CITY' is available on Amazon (ISBN: 9-789924 915102)

'Chaeg Magazine' no 22, December 2016

Does anyone of you speak Korean? Please please help me translate :)))

Perhaps you remember my creative photography project 'Playing Cards' from 2014, which is playfully observing our daily routine on mobile devices. It seems that mobile phones and tablets have become our new best friends, we never leave them unattended. But what happens to the seemingly endless stream of data we leave behind? All this private information we post and tweet about our lives; where is it really going? Who is the one that is pulling the strings???

The project has been picked up by the South-Korean cultural magazine 'Chaeg' which is dedicated to the world of books, with special care for contemporary photography. The 'Playing Cards' series is featured on the cover and the article is spread over 4 double pages. If only I could read the text... :)))

Credits: Photography & Styling: Astrid Schulz   /  Make-up: Mary Ellen Lamb  /  Hair: Michael Ptootch & Sophia Eltayeb at salon Flaxon Ptootch (Chaeng ISBN: 9-772383-750001)

‘London Independent Photography’s 28th Annual Exhibition’: 15.11 - 20.11.16

Each year the members group 'London Independent Photographers' (LIP) is celebrating the best work of their members in an annual group exhibition to be appreciated by each other and by the general public. This time we will be in a gallery in London's East End.



I am going to join the show with 4 images from my portrait series from Vietnam, a project which is was commissioned for a number of photo books. The series has been chosen for the LensCulture finalist award in 2016 and got voted to be among the best documentary photo projects at the KOLGA AWARD exhibition in Tbilisi, Georgia. 



Venue: Escacio Gallery, 159 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG


Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 1pm – 7pm, 
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm



The member's private view takes place on 15th November 2016, from 6.30pm - 8.30pm

'ICONIC 2016' Palermo, Group Exhibition, 15.10 - 30.10.16

Proud announcement: one of my images from the ‘Madonna’ series (on the right) has been selected for the legendary ICONIC 2016 exhibition in Palermo. The show features portraits & artwork inspired by the 'Queen of Pop' and hosts a section of photography with subjects that are influenced by Madonna's career and status as an icon.

Opening event: Saturday, 15th October 2016 at 6pm

Venue: BOBEZ Arte Contemporanea, Via Isidoro La Lumia 22, Palermo 

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 12pm & 5pm - 7.30pm, 
Monday by appointment only

Hereby I would like to thank Mary Ellen Lamb (make-up), Gabrielle Guy (photography assistance), and especially Stephanie Newton for modelling as Madonna.

'Tp. Ho Chi Minh MEGA City' book launch, 09.10.16

Once again, the is an update for the legendary photo books by Michel Waibel in Vietnam. This is the third edition of the book 'Tp. Ho Chi Minh MEGA City' and updates an earlier version from 2014. It takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the familiar and lesser-known aspects of this bustling city to witness its vibrancy and dynamic changes of the past years.

The event is organized by the Goethe Institute of HCMC and features an expert talk on the challenges of sustainable urban development in Vietnam. Two lucky winners will walk away with a complementary copy via a book lottery.


In case you are in Saigon, come early, the venue is usually quite full...

 And if you don't fit in - no worries - here is a preview of my chapter 'People in the City'.

Book launch event: Sunday, 9th October, 10.00am - 12.00pm

Venue: Salon Van Hoa Ca Phe Thu Bay, 
1st floor, Trung Nguyen Café, 19B Pham Ngoc Thach, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Afterwards, the book can be bought on Amazon (ISBN: 978-604-94-9365-2).

'London Independent Photographers' 9th Greenwich Annual Exhibition, 08.08 - 21.08.16

As every year, the members of the Greenwich group of LIP are showcasing their work at Greenwich Gallery. This year I have chosen to exhibit another image from my work in Vietnam, which I created during a 2month artist residency in 2013. The picture is called ‘Seashells’; it is a portrait of ‘Chau Thi No’. Mrs No has been boiling tiny seashells on Con Hen Island for over 30 years. This occupation was passed on from her ancestors. View more images from the series 'Made in Vietnam'.

The opening event: Thursday, 11th August, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Venue: The Greenwich Gallery at 
Linear House, Peyton Place, London SE10 8RS
 

Opening times: Mo - Fri, 9am - 5.30 / Sat - Sun, 1pm - 5pm

The series ‘Farmers' has been created in honour of micro food production households and features people who are physically involved in growing or producing food from their homes and gardens. We often forget how labour intensive it is to produce what we eat. Especially in the Western world the connection between food and nature seems to get lost. The aim of the project is to re-establish a relationship with the origin of food provisions. The series will be continued in Latin America.

‘Death Lies on Her’, premier screening and networking party, 14.07.16

Concept136Film cordially invites you and your friends to the premiere of the short high concept film ‘Death Lies on Her’ in an exclusive location in central London. The private screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the writer Afzaal Mauthoor and writer/director/producer Uppili Raghavachari. Please also welcome the rest of the crew and the talents Ellie Tanner and Chris Edgerley.

‘Death Lies on Her’ is an electrifying high concept debut film - a tragic Shakespearean love story with a deadly twist. I am the costume designer & supervisor – can’t wait to see the finished film.
Venue: The Hospital Club, 24 Endell Street, WC2H 9HQ
Time: 14 July, 2016 (18.00 – 21.00)

After Q&A session there will be a networking drinks reception for those who like to party into the night.
 Tickets are available for those who are not cast or crew: please order here

'100 Faces of Viet Nam', KOLGA Award nomination, 12.05.16

Proud announcement: 
my portrait images from Viet Nam are voted to be among the best photo projects created in 2015 and are shortlisted for the KOLGA AWARD in the documentary category!!!

Eight images were chosen by international jury members and they will be exhibited during the photography festival during May 2016 in Tbilisi, Capital City of Georgia.

The images have been commissioned in between 2013 - 2015 and are planned to be published as a portrait book with the title '100 Faces of Viet Nam' in 2017.

And there is more good news: another one of my images got nominated for the category 'One Shot'. The picture of 'Lassana, the Poultry Breeder' was taken during my artist residency at Waaw in Saint Louis, Senegal (from the series 'Made in Senegal', 2015).

Venue for the exhibition: 14 Kostava Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
Opening event: 12 May, 2016, from 6pm
Festival duration: 12 -19 May 2016

Further information can be found here: http://kolga.ge

There will also be an overall winner for each category. Please keep your fingers crossed for me :)))

2nd German Solo Show: 'Playing Cards' Exhibition, 13.04 – 13.05.16

Another exciting announcement: my 'Hairdressers' have been selected to highlight the opening event at the German Hairstylists convention in Saarbrücken. The annual convention is held by the Trade Cooperation and supported by the Landesinnung Friseure and Kosmetik (Guild for Hairstylists and Beauty).

Venue: Handwerkskammer des Saarlandes (Trade Cooperation of Saarland), Hohenzollernstrasse 47 - 49, 66117 Saarbrücken, Germany
Opening event: Thursday, 14th April 2016, from 6.00pm

The series 'Hairdressers’ is inspired by the novel Egalia's Daughters in which the protagonists swapped gender based roles. The images are questioning our perception on what is regarded as ‘normal’ and what is ‘acceptable’ in our society. Perhaps it’s time for men to get emancipated, when it comes to style?

'Đà Nẵng: COASTAL City', Book Publishing Events, 28 & 29.03.2016

The final photo book is ready!!! This is the last one out of three publications, dealing with urban city development and modern life in Vietnam. It is finally printed and will be available from end of March.

In the years 2013 / 2014 & 2015 I was commissioned to take photographs of people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. In each place I visited around 30 people in their homes or at work and asked them about their life in Vietnam. The outcome is forming one chapter in each book, which otherwise documents the urban developments of Vietnam's fast growing cities - in between ancient traditions and culture. The latest photo book is describing the urban challenges of the coastal city Da Nang, followed by the towns Hoi An and Hue.
In case you are lucky and currently in Vietnam, there are two launch events you could attend:

The first one will take place on 28th March at 7pm
Venue: Da Nang Library, 46 Bach Dang, Da Nang City.

The second one is on 29th March at 7pm
Venue: Goethe Institute Hanoi, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi. Click here for information.

Being involved in this project was an absolute privilege; it brought the people of Vietnam close to my heart and I will never forget the hospitality and generosity I experienced. I hope I made you curious to visit Vietnam yourself. Or buy the book; it can soon be ordered via Amazon. It is published at 'Fine Art Publishing House', Hanoi, by editor Michael Waibel. ISBN 978-604-78-4045-8

‘LensCulture Exposure Awards 2015’: Finalist Award

Just on time for the beginning of the ‘Year of the Monkey: my images from Vietnam have been awarded once again. I’m delighted to announce that the international jury has selected me to be a Finalist at the LensCulture Exposure Award!

LensCulture received submissions from photographers in over 100 countries. Being one of the finalists is a great honor and personal accomplishment – I am very proud that my work has been chosen as one of the best of the best! Please have a look at my LensCulture portfolio.

The featured portfolio 100 Faces of Viet Nam is showing a selection of portraits across Viet Nam, representing a society, which is on the brink of change. It shows the people from a developing country caught between tradition and modernity. These photographs exist because of a commission for 3 photo books: I went out there 3 times on behalf of Michael Waibel and the Goethe Institute Hanoi. Last not least, they also exist because of my love for this country and for the wonderful people I met during this assignment. Thank you, all of you!!!

By the way, the Winners & Finalists of the 2015 Exposure Awards will be exhibited at 
Somerset House during Photo London — London’s Premier Photography Fair!

Venue & date: Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2R 1LA, 19 - 22 May 2016

'Social Documentary Network': Featured Photographer of the Month, January 2016

Announcement: This month I was honored for my book project 100 Faces of Viet Nam by the organization Social Documentary Network and featured on their SPOTLIGHT newsletter.

Their comment: "At a time of so much tension in the world, it is heartening to see an exhibit about a country experiencing a renaissance of human potential 40 years after fighting and winning a devastating war against the U.S. and has now come to be our friend. Schulz's photographs are heavily influenced by her theater and TV background as evidenced by the impeccable composition and lighting of each frame. She also adds  intimate and important details about her subjects. Astrid's words and photos together weave an important story about the resiliency of the human spirit".

The featured portfolio 100 Faces of Viet Nam is showing a selection of portraits across Viet Nam, representing a society, which is on the brink of change. It shows the people from a developing country caught between tradition and modernity. Photographed in 5 different cities from the North to the South, these portraits allow a view into people’s homes and work places plus an insight into their lives and concerns – some of them are unexpected...

Have a look at: http://socialdocumentary.net/exhibit/Astrid_Schulz/3242

Reminder: ‘Portrait Salon’ in Tokyo, 13.02 - 28.02.2016

As already announced, the Portrait Salon selection from 2015 will travel to The Reminders Photography Stronghold Gallery in Tokyo and one of my portraits from 'Made in Senegal' has been selected to be exhibited.

In case you are near Japan, this is how you get there:
Venue: Reminders Photography Stronghold
Address: 131-0032, 2-38-5, Higashi-mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Opening: Saturday, 13th February, 1pm

This exhibition was first shown at Embassy Tea Gallery in London in November. It shows prints from photographers that submitted to and were rejected by the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.

'Admiral Zheng He', History Documentary

News from the costume front: I finally received some images of a rather interesting assignment. In September 2015 I was hired to design and create 3 characters from the 15th Century Ming Dynasty in China.

Have you heard about Admiral Zheng He? He was commanded expeditionary voyages and 'discovered' new territories such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, Western Asia and East Africa from 1405 to 1433. His larger ships stretched 400 feet in length (Columbus's Santa Maria, for comparison, was 85 feet). During his first voyage he commanded 62 ships and 27,800 men! A fascinating story indeed.
The documentary inserts were created at Camberwell Studios and are going to be used as parts of a contemporary drama. It will be interesting to watch the final result in 2016...

'fLIP Magazine' no 32, Winter Issue 2015

Magic will great you on the cover of the next fLIP magazine - or is it an illusion?

fLIP is an independent magazine, which is published three times per year by the London Independent Photographers (LIP).  This years winter issue (no 32) carries the title 'Illusion' and is featuring one of my photographs on its cover.


The image is called ‘Dove: looking for work’. It is from the series Magic Man, which is telling a story about a magician, that has a 'week of bad luck'. His rabbit is refusing to come out of the hat and his magic tricks are going wrong. But hope is on the horizon: a dove appears which is looking for work... Is the tide about to turn for our magic man?

fLIP magazine 
is available at various stockists across London, including the Tate Modern Bookshop, National Portrait, Serpentine Gallery Bookshop, Whitechapel Gallery Bookshop and many more.

‘Portrait Salon’, Group Show, 19.11 – 22.11.2015

Another exhibition opportunity arises: one of my Senegal portraits (food series) has been selected for the Portrait Salon exhibition. Now in it’s fifth year, this annual exhibition will be exhibiting a selection of portraits from photographers that submitted to and were rejected by the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize in 2015.

Visitors to the print exhibition will be able to vote on their favourite three portraits. Please come and help me win :)

The private view takes place on Thursday, 19th November 2014 from 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
The gallery opening times are 11.00qm – 6.00pm
Venue: EMBASSY TEA GALLERY

, 195-205 Union Street, 
Bankside, London SE1 0LN


On Saturday 21st November 2015 Portrait Salon will be collaborating with Miniclick for a ‘The Heart Grows Fonder’ event at The Embassy Tea Gallery that will include all the portraits selected in this year’s Portrait Salon. Participants will have the chance to create their own, unique Portrait Salon ‘zine’.

In February 2016 the Portrait Salon selection will travel to The Reminders Photography Stronghold Gallery in Tokyo. Will report in time…