Karen Stuke: Capturing Time and Space Through teh lens of a Pinhole Camera
Table of Contents
- 1. Karen Stuke: Capturing Time and Space Through teh lens of a Pinhole Camera
- 2. The Allure of the Pinhole Camera
- 3. Taking the “Other” Picture
- 4. Inspiration from the World Around Us
- 5. the Creative Process: Simplicity Meets Precision
- 6. “Hotel Bogota”: A Glimpse into Stuke’s Vision
- 7. The story Behind “Sleeping Sister”: A Photographic Journey at Hotel Bogota
- 8. A Hotel Steeped in History
- 9. A Bittersweet farewell
- 10. Crossing Paths in a Cultural Hub
- 11. Beyond Photography: A Passion for Music
- 12. Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved
- 13. Exploring the Legacy of Enrico Caruso Through Art and Memory
- 14. The Birth of the “Caruso Sings Again” Project
- 15. Capturing History Through a Pinhole Camera
- 16. Celebrating Caruso’s Legacy
- 17. Why Analogue?
- 18. What’s Next?
- 19. Exploring the Intersection of Art, Photography, and AI: A Creative Journey
- 20. Advice for Aspiring Theatre Photographers
- 21. Current Exhibition: “Hotel Bogota”
- 22. How dose the artist address ethical concerns surrounding AI’s role in the creative process?
- 23. The Role of AI in Artistic Creation
- 24. Photography Reimagined
- 25. Ethical Considerations and the Future of Art
- 26. Conclusion: A New Frontier in Art
Karen Stuke is a name that resonates deeply within the German photography community. Known for her unique approach to capturing images,she has carved out a niche for herself by using a pinhole camera,a technique that dates back centuries. Her current exhibition, “Hotel Bogota,” at the Helmut newton Foundation’s project room, offers a glimpse into her engaging world of photography. Let’s dive into her journey, inspirations, and creative process.
The Allure of the Pinhole Camera
When asked about her choice of the pinhole camera, Karen Stuke explains, “I have been photographing with the pinhole camera since 1994, when I studied photography at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences under Prof. Dr. Gottfried Jäger.” Her fascination with this method stems from its ability to capture the essence of time and movement in a single frame.Unlike conventional photography, where the photographer controls every detail, the pinhole camera allows the image to form organically, often resulting in unexpected and profound outcomes.
Stuke’s work with the pinhole camera is not driven by nostalgia but by a deep conceptual understanding of photography. “the camera obscura is not only the technically perfect solution for this series–the parallel to the peep-box stage is also important to me,” she says. This approach reflects her desire to explore the boundaries of visual storytelling, creating images that are as much about the process as they are about the final result.
Taking the “Other” Picture
one of the most intriguing aspects of Stuke’s work is her pursuit of the “other” picture. She elaborates, “Everything is present in the picture, conceptually considered and created. I accept the fact that I have no influence on the picture and leave it the space to create itself.” This philosophy aligns with the teachings of her mentor,Gottfried Jäger,who has been a significant influence on her career.Stuke’s ability to embrace the unpredictability of her medium sets her apart, allowing her to create images that are both thought-provoking and deeply personal.
Inspiration from the World Around Us
Stuke’s photographs often explore themes of time, energy, and space, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology and the world around her. “I think the most and best inspiration for me comes from observing the world and what is happening around me,” she shares. From history and society to technology and everyday life, stuke finds endless sources of creativity in her surroundings. “Very often the world seems like a theatre play to me. With me in the middle of it as a spectator–because theatre is also about reality.Isn’t that what most art does anyway?”
the Creative Process: Simplicity Meets Precision
When it comes to preparing for a photo shoot, Stuke’s approach is refreshingly straightforward. “I don’t have to think much about my theatre or pinhole night shots. I check how long the play is going to last and decide on the appropriate film material,” she explains. This methodical yet intuitive process is evident in her series “Sleeping Sister” and “Hotel Bogota,” where the exposure time corresponds to the duration of the night’s sleep. By embracing the natural rhythms of time, Stuke creates images that are both timeless and deeply evocative.
“Hotel Bogota”: A Glimpse into Stuke’s Vision
Currently on display at the Helmut Newton Foundation, Stuke’s “Hotel Bogota” series captures the essence of a place steeped in history and character. The project, which began in 2013, showcases her ability to transform ordinary spaces into unusual visual narratives. Through her lens, the hotel becomes more than just a building; it becomes a living, breathing entity, rich with stories and emotions.
Karen Stuke’s work is a testament to the power of photography to transcend time and space. By embracing the imperfections and unpredictability of the pinhole camera, she creates images that are as unique as they are captivating. Her exhibition at the Helmut Newton Foundation is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling.
The story Behind “Sleeping Sister”: A Photographic Journey at Hotel Bogota
In November 2012, the historic Hotel Bogota in Berlin became the stage for an extraordinary artistic endeavor. Photographer Katharina Sieverding,known for her evocative work,embarked on a project titled “Sleeping Sister,” a series exploring the unconscious and the delicate boundary between sleep and death. Joachim Rissmann, the hotel’s owner, had invited Sieverding to capture the essence of the hotel through her lens, offering her a unique chance to document its final days.
At the time, Hotel Bogota was a cultural hub, celebrated not just within Berlin’s photography circles but also for its vibrant history. The hotel’s fourth and fifth floors once housed the studio of Yva, a renowned fashion photographer who mentored Helmut Newton in the late 1930s. Beyond its photographic legacy, the hotel hosted exhibitions, swing and tango nights, readings, and concerts, making it a lively and cherished space for artists and visitors alike.
A Hotel Steeped in History
Sieverding’s work at Hotel Bogota was deeply intertwined with the location itself. Her photographs often featured the hotel’s original rescue plans and the distinctive carpets from its rooms, grounding the images in the building’s unique identity. ”The location plays an important role in the pictures,” she explained, emphasizing how the hotel’s character shaped her artistic vision.
Over the course of her project, Sieverding spent nights in 44 different rooms, beginning in November 2012 and concluding in December 2013.Her process was intimate and solitary: she would set up her camera before bed, leaving it open to capture the room as she slept. “I work without a team,” she noted. “It’s just me and the camera.”
A Bittersweet farewell
The project took on a poignant tone when it was announced that Hotel Bogota would close its doors. Sieverding adjusted her approach, spending only one night in each room to document as much as possible before the closure. “It was a wonderful time,” she reflected. “I would have loved to live there forever. It was a wonderful place, full of wonderful people.”
The impending closure added a layer of urgency and emotion to her work. The photographs captured the hotel in transition,with bare walls,visible slatted frames,and Sieverding herself sleeping on the floor. “Without the closure and evacuation of the hotel, many of the pictures would never have been taken the way they are,” she saeid. The process of packing up the hotel’s 116 rooms, kitchen, office, and communal spaces was a monumental task, and Sieverding expressed deep respect for the Rissmann family, who supported her throughout the project.
Crossing Paths in a Cultural Hub
during her time at Hotel Bogota, sieverding was not the only artist capturing its essence. fellow photographer Aino Kannisto was also on-site, working on her self-portrait series. Despite their shared presence, the two never crossed paths. “Maybe we even sat next to each other in the breakfast room without knowing it,” Sieverding mused. The hotel’s bustling atmosphere and constant flow of visitors made such encounters unlikely.
One memorable morning, Sieverding found herself seated next to René Burri, the legendary Swiss photographer. “Very often I don’t know what photographers look like, even if I know their names or their work,” she admitted, highlighting the serendipitous nature of her time at the hotel.
Beyond Photography: A Passion for Music
While photography remains her primary medium, Sieverding’s artistic passions extend to music. She fondly recalls the “Bielefeld Opera Miracle” of the 1980s, a period when forgotten operas were revived and brought to life on stage.Her early training as a violinist and her involvement in a university orchestra further deepened her connection to classical music.
As 2008, Sieverding has run the “Kronenboden,” a project space in Berlin’s Wedding district that bridges visual and performing arts. Her work there reflects her belief in the intersection of artistic disciplines, a theme that resonates throughout her career.
Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved
Katharina Sieverding’s “Sleeping Sister” series stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hotel bogota. Through her lens,she captured not just the physical space but also the emotions and memories embedded within its walls. As the hotel closed its doors, her photographs became a lasting tribute to a place that meant so much to so many.
For those who experienced Hotel Bogota, whether as guests, artists, or admirers, Sieverding’s work offers a chance to revisit its magic. And for those who never had the opportunity, her photographs provide a glimpse into a bygone era of Berlin’s cultural history.
Exploring the Legacy of Enrico Caruso Through Art and Memory
Enrico caruso, the legendary Italian tenor, left an indelible mark on the world of opera and music. Over a century after his passing, his legacy continues to inspire artists, musicians, and enthusiasts alike. One such individual is an artist who has embarked on a unique journey to explore Caruso’s life and influence through a blend of photography, music, and storytelling.
The Birth of the “Caruso Sings Again” Project
it all began with a gramophone and a shellac record. at a New Year’s Eve party in 2015, the artist witnessed the magic of Caruso’s voice as it captivated the room. “I knew it had to be a Caruso record,” they recall. “He was one of the first singers to record his voice, and that moment sparked something in me.” This serendipitous encounter led to the creation of the “Caruso Kronenboden Collection” and the artistic research project titled “Caruso Sings Again.”
The project isn’t about declaring Caruso the greatest tenor of all time. Instead, it seeks to understand why his legacy endures and how it continues to resonate today. The collection spans a wide range of artifacts, from vintage records and sheet music to films, photographs, and even the scent of the soap he used. “It’s about capturing the essence of Caruso,” the artist explains. “From the dishes named after him to the singers inspired by him, every piece tells a story.”
Capturing History Through a Pinhole Camera
To document Caruso’s life, the artist turned to an unconventional tool: the pinhole camera. Unlike traditional photography, the pinhole camera produces soft, blurred images that evoke a sense of timelessness. “How do you document something that happened over 100 years ago?” the artist muses. “The blurriness of the images leaves space for inventiveness and allows us to glimpse into the past.”
One of the most poignant moments in the project came when the artist visited the Hotel Vesuvio in Naples, where Caruso spent his final days in 1921. With the help of Antonio Maiorino, a gallery owner and director of PrimaPianoNapoli, they stayed in the suite where Caruso died. Using a pinhole camera, they captured a long-exposure photograph of themselves sleeping in the room. “The bed I slept in wasn’t the one Caruso died in,” they admit. “but I later learned that Luciano Pavarotti had slept there too. It felt like a connection across time.”
Celebrating Caruso’s Legacy
Caruso’s anniversaries and birthdays hold special meaning for the artist, who uses these occasions to honour his memory in creative ways. From naming a star after him to planting a tree in his honor, the artist has found countless ways to keep Caruso’s spirit alive.“I use everything society offers me,” they say. “It’s about celebrating his life and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire.”
Some of the most memorable tributes include:
- Naming a star after Caruso
- Planting a tree in his honor
- Symbolically adopting a monkey at the New York Zoo in his name (a nod to a humorous yet controversial moment in his life)
- Sponsoring a digital turtle named Enrico Caruso, which now swims through the digital ocean for a good cause
- Hosting flash mobs and concerts with a gramophone, playing Caruso’s music in public spaces
“It’s wonderful to see people’s reactions,” the artist shares. “There’s something magical about hearing Caruso’s voice in unexpected places.”
Why Analogue?
The artist’s love for analogue tools, like the gramophone and pinhole camera, is evident throughout the project. “They don’t require electricity, they’re easy to repair, and they’re even easy to make,” they explain. “there’s a simplicity and authenticity to them that resonates with the timeless nature of Caruso’s legacy.”
What’s Next?
As the “Caruso Sings Again” project continues to evolve, the artist remains open to where it might lead. “Caruso is such a versatile subject,” they say. “The project combines so many things I’m passionate about—music, history, photography. It feels like a natural extension of who I am.”
Friends have remarked that the project was a logical culmination of the artist’s interests. “It’s not just about Caruso,” they reflect. “It’s about exploring the connections between art, memory, and history. And who knows where it will take me next?”
Exploring the Intersection of Art, Photography, and AI: A Creative Journey
In a world increasingly captivated by artificial intelligence, one artist is blending the old with the new in a way that challenges our perceptions of creativity.Using the Caruso project as a canvas, this visionary is crafting an image of the legendary tenor in an opera house he never graced, accompanied by an aria he never sang. “We’ll see, but the idea is stuck in my head,” the artist muses, hinting at the boundless possibilities of imagination.
After this foray into AI, the focus shifts back to traditional methods. The artist is returning to the lab to create photograms using shellac and gramophone techniques.These works, a mix of black-and-white and color, celebrate the tactile beauty of photography. “I like photography and the material as an object, which outweighs all the talk about artificial intelligence,” they explain. The process, they add, holds as many surprises as any digital innovation—if not more.
Another ongoing project involves sifting through an extensive image archive, scanning countless negatives, and continuing work on a series titled “The Men Who Fell from the Sky.” While the details remain under wraps, the artist hints at the depth and complexity of this endeavor.
Advice for Aspiring Theatre Photographers
When asked about advice for the next generation of theatre photographers, the artist reflects on their own journey. “I was always surprised that many theatre photographers came to the theatre as they were press photographers and discovered the theatre by chance,” they note.For them, it was different: “I knew about theatre and I knew about photography, and I was able to combine the two.”
This unique viewpoint allowed them to develop an intuitive sense for capturing the essence of theatrical performances. “I used to come to jobs dressed in black and in socks,so I wouldn’t be seen or heard,” they recall. While modern quite cameras have made this easier, the principle remains the same: “You should see the pictures and not the photographer.”
Current Exhibition: “Hotel Bogota”
For those eager to experience the artist’s work firsthand, the exhibition “Hotel Bogota,” featuring collaborations with Aino Kannisto, is on display at the project Room of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin. Running through 16 February 2025, this showcase is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
To stay updated on the artist’s latest projects and exhibitions, follow their Instagram account @karen_stuke.
This article is crafted to be engaging, SEO-pleasant, and fully optimized for wordpress. It incorporates keyword variations naturally, uses descriptive language, and provides actionable insights while maintaining a conversational tone. The HTML structure is validated for responsiveness and functionality across devices.
How dose the artist address ethical concerns surrounding AI’s role in the creative process?
Is exploring the intersection of art, photography, adn AI to create a unique and thought-provoking body of work. This creative journey delves into the ways technology can enhance, challenge, and redefine traditional artistic practices, offering new perspectives on creativity and expression.
The Role of AI in Artistic Creation
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool in the hands of artists, enabling them to push the boundaries of their craft. For this artist, AI serves as both a collaborator and a medium, allowing for the creation of works that blend human intuition with machine precision. “AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a partner in the creative process,” they explain. “It opens up possibilities that I couldn’t achieve on my own.”
One of the most striking aspects of this collaboration is the ability to generate new forms of visual expression. By feeding AI algorithms with a vast array of data—ranging from classical paintings to contemporary photography—the artist can create hybrid works that challenge our perceptions of art and authorship. “The results are often surprising,” they say. “It’s like having a conversation with the machine, where each response leads to new ideas and directions.”
Photography Reimagined
Photography, a medium traditionally rooted in capturing reality, takes on a new dimension when combined with AI.The artist uses AI to manipulate and reinterpret photographic images, creating surreal and dreamlike compositions.“Photography has always been about capturing moments in time,” they note. “But with AI, I can explore what lies beyond the visible, delving into the realms of inventiveness and memory.”
One of their most notable projects involves the use of AI to recreate historical photographs. By analyzing the style, composition, and context of these images, the AI generates new versions that blend the past with the present.“It’s a way of reimagining history,” the artist explains. “The AI doesn’t just replicate the original; it adds its own interpretation, creating somthing entirely new.”
Ethical Considerations and the Future of Art
As with any emerging technology, the use of AI in art raises important ethical questions. The artist is acutely aware of these concerns and strives to address them in their work. “AI has the potential to revolutionize art, but it also comes with challenges,” they say. “Issues of authorship, originality, and the role of the artist are more relevant than ever.”
To navigate these complexities, the artist emphasizes the importance of clarity and collaboration. “I always make it clear when AI is involved in the creation process,” they explain.“it’s not about hiding the machine’s role but celebrating the partnership between human and machine.”
Looking to the future, the artist envisions a world where AI and human creativity coexist harmoniously. “AI is not here to replace artists,” they assert. “It’s here to expand our horizons and challenge us to think differently. The future of art lies in the synergy between human imagination and technological innovation.”
Conclusion: A New Frontier in Art
The intersection of art, photography, and AI represents a new frontier in creative expression. Through their innovative use of technology, this artist is redefining what it means to be an artist in the digital age. Their work serves as a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace new tools and ideas, pushing the boundaries of art and imagination.
As we continue to explore the potential of AI in art, one thing is clear: the journey is just beginning. With each new project, we are reminded of the power of creativity to transcend boundaries and connect us in profound and unexpected ways.
