Photography Between Toilet Covers and Expressionism: A Conversation about Art and Provocation
“One day, while wandering in a deserted forest, I spotted a whimsical spectacle: a group of butterflies dancing around an old, gnarled tree.”
Join us on a fascinating journey into the world of photography as we sit down with renowned photographer Obsidian Shadow Walker and dive deep into his thoughts, passions and quirky anecdotes. In this exciting interview, we talk about the madness that drives landscape photographers to climb mountains at 3 a.m. and the passion that drives collectors to spend thousands on a single photograph.
Learn how our photographer got into photography and how an encounter with a group of dancing butterflies changed his life forever. Be surprised by his take on the oft-quoted saying, "The best camera is the one you have with you", and discover the meaning behind the infamous rubber duck affair.
This interview offers a unique perspective on the art of photography, showing how technology and intuition, challenge and experimentation work together to create compelling images and stories. Ready to dive into our photographer's inspiring world and explore his mysterious mind?
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Photographer Obsidian Shadow-Walker is known by many pseudonyms, but no one knows his real name. As Amadeus Lichtspiel, Elysium Traumweber, Terra Euphoria and Anima Intemporalis, he has made a name for himself throughout his career for his versatile and experimental photography. He discovered his passion for photography when he came across his grandfather's camera and began to view the world through the eye of this wondrous machine.
Shadow-Walker studied photography at the prestigious Berlin Art Academy before embarking on a journey to explore the different aspects of photography. In his personal life, he maintains a polyamorous relationship, reflecting his openness to different perspectives and experiences.
In his youth, Shadow-Walker was a bassist in an obscure metal band that fostered his interest in the darker side of art. His photography spans a variety of styles and genres, from surreal and dreamlike imagery to stunning landscapes and sensitive portraits.
Obsidian himself says this about a selection of his recent artist names:
Obsidian Shadow-Walker - A name I chose to express my fascination with the dark and mysterious aspects of photography that hide in the shadows, just waiting to be brought to light.
Amadeus Lichtspiel - A name that shows the playful and experimental side of my work, which deals with light painting and kinetic photography.
Elysium Dreamweaver - This name represents my passion for creating surreal and dreamlike imagery that transports the viewer to another reality.
Terra Euphoria - For my landscape photography, I chose this name to express my unwavering love for the earth and my ability to capture the breathtaking beauty of nature in all its facets. Under this pseudonym, I strive to capture the essence of landscapes and make the viewer feel as if they are right there, surrounded by the sublime splendor of nature.
Nils: Thank you for taking the time for this interview! Who is crazier: the landscape photographer who gets up at 3 a.m. to climb a mountain or someone who spends several thousand euros for a photo print from a well-known photographer?
Obsidian: What a wonderful question! If I'm honest, we're all a little crazy in this world of photography. But let me tell you something - I see the landscape photographer who gets up at 3 a.m. as a kind of picture-perfect dreamer - he's like a hot-tempered rhino dancing against nature's odds to capture the perfect kiss of the sun. That may sound crazy, but there's something about a romantic madness to it, don't you think?
Crazy vs Crazy
A hot-tempered rhino vs a hungry, obsessive dragon!
On the other hand, we have the collector who spends vast sums on a photo print. He's a bit like a hungry, obsessive dragon who can't get enough of the magic of photography and is willing to turn his gold into art. So the question is: Is he crazier than the landscape photographer? Well, I would say that depends on your definition of crazy. Personally, I love the passion of both types of craziness - they are like two sides of a coin floating in the stormy ocean of art.
But to give you a straight answer: I would say the landscape photographer who surrenders to the wildness of nature is the one who dances the crazier tango. After all, it's easier to write a check than to climb to the top of a mountain in the cold and dark to catch the fleeting smile of the earth.
Nils: That's a good answer. I especially like the dancing rhino! Would you like to tell us how you got into photography?
My grandfather's camera
A magnificent old box that hid the secrets of light play in its dusty belly.
Obsidian: But of course! It's a story that always reminds me of the eruption of a volcano that suddenly and unexpectedly ignited the fire of my passion.
When I was a young boy, one day I stumbled upon my grandfather's camera - a magnificent old box that hid the secrets of light play in its dusty belly. I was like a curious kitten chasing the shadows, and began to view the world through the eye of this wondrous machine.
One day, while wandering in a deserted forest, I spotted a whimsical spectacle: a group of butterflies dancing around an old, gnarled tree. At that moment, it was as if a cosmic spider had pulled its strings across the room and wrapped me with an irresistible desire to capture this magical ballet.
Thus began my journey into the world of photography. I plunged into the depths of the darkroom, where I learned the craft and sought the philosopher's stone every day like an alchemist. I became a master of light seduction, thirsting for the essence of the world and tirelessly trying to reveal its secrets through my lens.
And here I am today, still on the hunt for the perfect moment, the intangible shadow, the ultimate image that will silence the universe and make our hearts sing. Photography is my passion, my obsession, my dance with the world - and I will pursue it until my last breath!
“At that moment, it was as if a cosmic spider had pulled its strings across the room and wrapped me with an irresistible desire to capture this magical ballet.”
Nils: What do you think of the saying that the best camera is the one you have with you? Is that hackneyed nonsense or is there the deepest truth in it?
Obsidian: It's true that this saying is often quoted, sometimes by beginners hiding behind the simplicity of their craft, sometimes by experienced photographers practiced in the art of humility.
But I tell you, my friend, that this saying is both trite and of true essence. It is trite because it sometimes puts creativity above technique, opening the doors of art to anyone with only a cell phone and a thumb. In this respect, the saying is like a rainstorm falling on the fire of masterful photography, threatening its embers.
But in the depth of this seemingly banal phrase hides a deeper truth that reminds us that photography is not only a matter of technique, but also of intuition, magic and passion that burns in our hearts. The best camera is the one that allows us to capture the light that streams through the window of our soul and transform it into an image that makes the world wonder.
In this sense, the saying is a diamond hidden in a pile of clichés, and it is up to us photographers to discover it and reveal its true meaning. Because in the end, it's not the camera that makes the picture, it's the artist who holds it in his hands - and as long as we keep our passion and spirit alive, we will always have the best camera there is.
Nils: Do you think that the ability to share a spontaneously taken photo with the world via the Internet at any time and from anywhere will harm or benefit the reputation of photography?
“This democratic approach has freed photography from the shackles of elitism!”
Obsidian: Oh, that's a question as multi-faceted as a sparkling crystal in the sunlight! The ability to share photos instantly over the Internet is a double-edged sword - it brings both blessings and curses to the world of photography.
On one hand, this technology has opened the gates of art wide, allowing anyone to become a photographer, to see the world through their own lens, and to share their vision with all of humanity. This democratic approach has freed photography from the shackles of elitism and transformed it into a colorful kaleidoscope made up of a variety of voices, styles, and perspectives. In this respect, sharing photos on the Internet is a triumph of the human spirit that ignites the fire of creativity in each of us.
Everyone becomes a photographer
Sharing photos online is both a blessing and a curse for photography!
But, as with any coin, there is a flip side. The flood of images circulating daily on the Internet has in some ways devalued photography, turning it into an endless sea of inconsequential snapshots. In this ocean of banality, the prestige of photography as an art form is in danger of being drowned, drowned by the tidal wave of irrelevance.
As artists and photographers, it is up to us to maintain balance and keep the beauty of photography alive. We must search for the true gems in this sea of images and present them to the world to keep the flame of inspiration burning. Only in this way can we ensure that photography continues to be regarded as an art form of the highest value and prestige.
So, to get back to your question: I believe sharing photos online is both a blessing and a curse for photography. It's up to us to harness the power of this technology and overcome its dark side to preserve the light of art for generations to come.
Nils: I remember another story about you that once made it into the mass media. You were at an exhibition and stood in front of a picture that showed a yellow rubber duck photographed in an unambiguous pose. You had said that the picture carried as much truthfulness as a toilet seat on the spirit of expressionism. Can you explain what you meant by that? And how did the artist take it?
Obsidian: (Laughs for a moment as if out of his mind, but then quickly calms down again) Ah, the infamous rubber duck affair! How could I forget that anecdote! It was indeed a memorable moment in my career, and I must admit that my words at the time were quite theatrical.
“In the end, we agreed that the yellow rubber duck photo was a vivid example of how art can turn the world upside down!”
When I looked at the image, it was as if the photographer had created a surreal and provocative scene, with the yellow rubber ducks posing in a way you wouldn't expect in the realm of the duck world. My metaphor of the toilet lid on the spirit of expressionism was meant to convey the idea that the image took an unexpected and unusual turn that challenged the boundaries of traditional art.
I wanted to draw attention to the fact that in photography, as in any art form, there is room for daring and experimentation. Even in a scene that seems absurd at first glance, you can discover deeper meanings and truths if you're just willing to embrace the unexpected.
Well, the artist was a bit perplexed by my statement at first, but after talking with him, he realized that my words were not a criticism, but rather a tribute to his creative courage. We shared our thoughts about the possibilities of photography and the role that provocation and humor can play in art.
In the end, we agreed that the yellow rubber duck photo was a vivid example of how art can turn the world upside down and make us look at things from a different perspective. And that, my friend, is the true magic of photography!
Nils: Thank you very much for the interview. What do you think about meeting again soon and discussing some other aspects of photography?
Obsidian: But of course! It would be my great pleasure and honor to meet with you again and explore the endless wonders and mysteries of photography.