Interview: Vera Schumacher
Luca Curci talks with Vera Schumacher during VISIONS, third appointment of CANVAS ART FAIR in Venice, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, and during the 8th edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY 2023 and MIXING IDENTITIES 2023, held in London, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Vera Schumacher is an art photographer based in Hannover, Germany. Born in Russia, studied journalism at Voronezh State University. After living in South Africa for 12 years, she then moved to Germany in 2016. With an ever-present passion for art and photography, she was suddenly awarded the gift of time due to corona pandemic, when she started to take online courses, which led to a one-year online program studying photography at the Moscow School of Photoart. Additionally, she took master classes from photographers at Magnum Photos in Paris.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Vera Schumacher – I was born in Russia. Studied journalism there. Lived for 12 years in South Africa. Then moved to Germany in 2016. After visiting numerous exhibitions in Europe I developed a huge passion for art photography. In 2020 I started to take online courses in photography. In 2022 finished a one-year online program studying photography at the Moscow School of Photoart. Additionally, I participated in workshops at Magnum Photos in Paris. During the years of my work and study, I had the opportunity to travel to different countries and meet many artists, mostly painters. That’s how the idea to mix photography and paintings was born.

LC – How much is the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
VS – Honestly not much… I moved from the country where I was born a long time ago and didn’t visit it since.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
VS – I find inspiration in travelling. I love to travel and bring back memories/emotions in my photography/paintings.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artwork?
VS – It’s catching the right moment. This moment should be filled with emotions and feelings which I later transfer into my artwork.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
VS – Yes and no… I started with classic black-and-white photography. Then later I tried to paint some details in my photographs. It depends on the photo…

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
VS – I agree. “Canvas Venice international art fair. Visions”. Says everything already. Canvas is the creative’s common ground, on which artists can express themselves. The theme of the exhibition works perfectly with the displayed artworks. I presented two photographs which were printed on canvas and showed my vision of the special moments I observed.

LC – Do you enjoy cooperation with us?
VS – I enjoyed the cooperation very much! Professional team! Thank you for the opportunity to display my artwork! Good luck with all future projects!

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
VS – Itsliquid Platform is a perfect resource for anyone with an interest in the arts. It’s a great company that gives the possibility to artists like me to participate in exhibitions in very attractive locations!