Polina Schneider
"Polina was born in St. Petersburg during the harsh times of the Perestroika. With an upbringing marked by a mix of languages, cultures and religions has shaped her perception of the world, which bleeds into her photographic practice. She captures contrasts and processes that involve a search of identity, environmental themes, cultural and political issues. Her unique voice combines documentary and experimental photography making her visual language deeply personal. In search of authentic narratives that go beyond conventional aesthetics, she also experiments with AI-tools. As a co-founder of two collectives, Polina is engaged in her community. With C22 female photographers tell integrative environmental stories; with 20proKuadrat she brings art to the public spaces of Hanover. Polina pushes the boundaries between art and activism, creates space for dialogue and explores overlooked perspectives. Her works have been exhibited internationally, widely published and recognized with awards."
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@polisnaps
The Feeling of Logic not Being Welcome, 20x30 cm, Photography, 2022
"The chess game shown is a tribute to the Russian chess grandmaster, film actress, and model Alexandra Kostenyuk. Particular criticism (especially from the established male-dominated chess circles) aroused her tendency to repeatedly advertise herself and the sport of chess in the glamorous dress and appearance of a fashion model. Her motto is, "Beauty and intelligence can go together.“"
The Feeling of Being Arty, 20x30cm, Photography, 2022
"The beige bag in the picture was given to me in the '90s, when I was still living in Russia. It was a gift from an old couple from North Germany my family befriended. The couple sent one help-package to the newly-opened Russia via the Red Cross organization. Inside were sweets, instant soups, and different kinds of canned foods. In the distribution hall was a huge pile of boxes from Germany. I was five years old and I chose what appeared to me as the most delicate, little box. My family sent a thank-you note. The family from Germany answered. Again, we replied. What developed was a deep, intergenerational friendship that lasted for decades. They are the reason my family was brave enough to move to Germany."
The Feeling of Wasting Time (#1 of 3), 20x30cm, Photography, 2023
"24 February 2023 (Death Valley National Park, USA)
The war has been going on for one year now."