Phebe Schmidt has cultivated an impressive professional portfolio which includes contributions to publications such as Dazed & Confused and ID. When it comes to her personal work, Schmidt has accomplished a distinct, surreal aesthetic that you won't soon forget.
Her images feature models who lay so still, it's hard to determine if they're real or mannequin, as well as colorful still-life compositions with a high-fashion flair. In one particularly creepy shot, a model-mannequin wears a plastic bag over her head, gazing through it with a deadened look in her eye.
Though immaculately orchestrated, the images appear stagnant; there's an absence of movement that is more than a little unsettling. However, it is this discomfort that adds so much intrigue to Schmidt's work.
Surreally Still Compositions
Phebe Schmidt Creates Uncomfortable Still Life Compositions
Trend Themes
1. Realistic Mannequin Models - Exploring the use of mannequin-like models in photography and fashion can disrupt traditional advertising and challenge beauty standards.
2. Surreal Still-life Compositions - Creating still-life compositions with a surreal twist offers opportunities for artists and designers to introduce unexpected elements and evoke strong emotions.
3. Unsettling Aesthetics - The use of discomfort and absence of movement in art and photography can create intriguing and thought-provoking experiences for viewers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Photography - The fashion photography industry can adopt the use of mannequin-like models to showcase alternative beauty standards and push boundaries in advertising.
2. Art and Design - Artists and designers can incorporate surreal elements into their still-life compositions, challenging traditional aesthetics and sparking conversations about perception and reality.
3. Advertising and Marketing - By embracing unsettling aesthetics and incorporating discomfort into their campaigns, advertisers can capture attention, evoke strong emotions, and create memorable experiences for consumers.