LZB InSight
Achim Koerfer
There are images that get to you at first glance with their captivating beauty. You’re not even aware of how the images came to be and what is it about them that keeps your full focus.
These stunning shots are only some in the portfolio of a brilliant fine art photographer with whom we’ve had a pleasure talking to.
“Colours of stunning brilliance” is what defines Achim Koerfer’s photography. Trying to expose controversial issues, he expresses them through striking imagery – it’s all about seeing things in a different light. He’s had several exhibitions so far, showing off his thoughts and visions always resulting in amazing works.
“Salient characteristic of my work is the use of multiple exposures composed in situ employing a single-lens reflex camera. The result is intriguing works of intensely vivid colour, intricacy and subtle visual transformations.” – this is what is behind the term unikatfabrik, Achim’s coined term for “factory of single editions.”
Achim Koerfer is very socially involved, placing artworks at the disposal of various aid agencies such as ART 4 AID, an international art project for the benefit of UNICEF. He also supports STREETKIDS International, an aid and development organization for children in Tanzania which collects donations for food, health care, schools and vocational training. He considers educational programs to be an essential foundation for long-term aid and development. It is only those who can read and write who have a chance to better their life. No education means no opportunity for improvement.
After surviving a nearly fatal car crash in 1989, he channelled the trauma of this experience into his artistic endeavours. Achim Koerfer’s artistic approach to create unique, irreproducible photo sequences puts him at the top of his category.
Ladies and gentleman, we bring to you a man with a vision, a man with a mission, a man who makes the most of every single image he creates – Achim Koerfer!
“Colours of stunning brilliance” is what defines Achim Koerfer’s photography. Trying to expose controversial issues, he expresses them through striking imagery – it’s all about seeing things in a different light. He’s had several exhibitions so far, showing off his thoughts and visions always resulting in amazing works.
“Salient characteristic of my work is the use of multiple exposures composed in situ employing a single-lens reflex camera. The result is intriguing works of intensely vivid colour, intricacy and subtle visual transformations.” – this is what is behind the term unikatfabrik, Achim’s coined term for “factory of single editions.”
Achim Koerfer is very socially involved, placing artworks at the disposal of various aid agencies such as ART 4 AID, an international art project for the benefit of UNICEF. He also supports STREETKIDS International, an aid and development organization for children in Tanzania which collects donations for food, health care, schools and vocational training. He considers educational programs to be an essential foundation for long-term aid and development. It is only those who can read and write who have a chance to better their life. No education means no opportunity for improvement.
After surviving a nearly fatal car crash in 1989, he channelled the trauma of this experience into his artistic endeavours. Achim Koerfer’s artistic approach to create unique, irreproducible photo sequences puts him at the top of his category.
Ladies and gentleman, we bring to you a man with a vision, a man with a mission, a man who makes the most of every single image he creates – Achim Koerfer!
What inspires you?
It is the diversity of life and nature which has always been a source of fascination and inspiration to me.
How do you find the motifs for your artwork?
By making pause and taking in the everyday moments of life, often in cityscapes, or abroad. Billboards in vivid colours invariably catch my eye. I am inspired to take these everyday scenes and present them in a new perspective. That is my art.
Tell us about the technique you use and how did your path follow that specific direction?
Since my childhood days I have immersed myself in the intricacies of analogue photography, developing my signature style over the course of the years. Using my analogue camera I shoot multiple exposures; some of them spontaneously, others carefully planned in order to achieve a subtle but telling shift in perspective.
The resulting multiple exposures have the sleek look of digitally composited motifs. Yet they are all shot in situ using conventional techniques alone. I photograph freehand-style, a real challenge. I memorize the first motif shot on film while looking for the second and sometimes for yet further motifs to overlay one on top of the other to create a cohesive new image greater than the sum of its parts. Such a composition then operates on multiple levels or perception.
In your opinion, who is the most influential person in the world nowadays and why?
I believe it is the individual. Every human being - each and every one of us is special – particularly in times of transition like these in which we are living, on the threshold of a new era. The demonstrators of the Arab Spring, the indignados of Spain and Greece, the Real Democracy Now, Occupy and Anonymous activists. Wikileaks. The 99% who no longer tolerate but fight the greed, corruption, exploitation, injustice and abuse committed by the 1%. All who decry and fight the social injustice and inhuman globalization which can destroy the world if not checked now. People who dedicate themselves to environmental, human and animal rights concerns and aid organizations. In their hands the world could be a better place to live in.
It is the diversity of life and nature which has always been a source of fascination and inspiration to me.
How do you find the motifs for your artwork?
By making pause and taking in the everyday moments of life, often in cityscapes, or abroad. Billboards in vivid colours invariably catch my eye. I am inspired to take these everyday scenes and present them in a new perspective. That is my art.
Tell us about the technique you use and how did your path follow that specific direction?
Since my childhood days I have immersed myself in the intricacies of analogue photography, developing my signature style over the course of the years. Using my analogue camera I shoot multiple exposures; some of them spontaneously, others carefully planned in order to achieve a subtle but telling shift in perspective.
The resulting multiple exposures have the sleek look of digitally composited motifs. Yet they are all shot in situ using conventional techniques alone. I photograph freehand-style, a real challenge. I memorize the first motif shot on film while looking for the second and sometimes for yet further motifs to overlay one on top of the other to create a cohesive new image greater than the sum of its parts. Such a composition then operates on multiple levels or perception.
In your opinion, who is the most influential person in the world nowadays and why?
I believe it is the individual. Every human being - each and every one of us is special – particularly in times of transition like these in which we are living, on the threshold of a new era. The demonstrators of the Arab Spring, the indignados of Spain and Greece, the Real Democracy Now, Occupy and Anonymous activists. Wikileaks. The 99% who no longer tolerate but fight the greed, corruption, exploitation, injustice and abuse committed by the 1%. All who decry and fight the social injustice and inhuman globalization which can destroy the world if not checked now. People who dedicate themselves to environmental, human and animal rights concerns and aid organizations. In their hands the world could be a better place to live in.
We wanted to get inside Koerfer’s head and see what makes this perseverant man tick. The most important emotion for Achim is laughter. Hating social injustice, he is the type of person who likes to sip his morning cup of coffee, while thinking about the future, when he’ll have it all. :)
Shooting on location is what he likes most. This is where he takes his shots with a little bit of magic from his analogue camera.
If you want to see more of how apparent contradictions in terms are reconciled into harmonious visual compositions, you’re definitely welcome to visit Achim‘s virtual gallery.
Achim Koerfer’s fine art photography airs urgent social and environmental issues. You can follow the artist on Twitter and comment on his work on Facebook where you should definitely check out and ‘like’ Achim’s fanpage.
Thank you Achim, for doing this amazing interview with us, as well as guiding us through the fascinating world seen from your eye through the lens of an analogue camera!
Your LookZoomBook Team
Leeloo @ LookZoomBook, 2012
