Rainer Elstermanns Photo Studio - a fictional portrait shoot in Africa, exhibition in Holland

On a daydream trip through Africa, having past little towns with names such as Brazzaville and Bangui, Rainer Elstermann makes a stop at a tiny ‘photo studio’. In homage to the great African photo artists Samuel Fosso and Malick Sidibe, he captures portraits of the immigrants, who once used the pictures to proudly show their friends and family how happy and free they were in their new lives.

Elstermann actually realised the images in his studio in Berlin. His daydream became a detailed reconstruction of an African photo studio: with rough walls, rustic interiors and modern 60s charm. The subjects posed as if they were overhearing soul music coming from a bar next door.

The results are a 17-minute film and a series of 40 motifs. The project thrives on the attention to detail and moods, which Andreas Stamm recaptured perfectly with suitable attire and props, Elmar Weppel further underlines with make-up and gorgeous beehives and the clear visual language, which Rainer Elstermann created.

Artitled! Gallery in Berghem, Holland presents the ‘Photo Studio’ exhibition until 16 May.


Photo Studio by Rainer Elstermann
until 16 May 2010

Artitled!
Rogstraat 28
5373 AV Berghem
Netherlands