Between reality and illusion: Gregor Schwarzacher creates tension between the known and the unknown

Photography makes it possible to capture the moment and preserve it for eternity. Whether it's breathtaking landscapes, emotional portraits or exciting street photography - with a single click, you can capture a moment that will never return. The up-and-coming photographer Gregor Schwarzacher not only makes products look indispensable, in his new exhibition MONOLITH he plays with the duality of reality and fiction.

 

An eye for advertising

 

Every photographer has their own style, their own way of seeing and interpreting things. In most cases, the personal preference arises from one's own passion, mixed with experiences and learning processes. Gregor's journey into photography began at a young age, when he accompanied Vienna's nightlife with his camera. At the time, he was not yet aware that this passion would turn out to be his future profession.

 

After finishing school, he was drawn to the Vienna Advertising Academy. Surrounded by Austria's "advertising elite" and after several years of agency experience, he took the big step towards self-employment in 2021. At the same time, he also started his official Master's degree in Digital Photography and New Digital Media, which lasted several years.

 

Step by step, he managed to combine his experience in advertising with his view through the lens. In his pictures he is able to express his feelings, thoughts and ideas and thus create a very personal connection with his viewers. It is important to him that his photography does not look like 0-8-15 stock photos, but that each image has its own component. The Viennese photographer is particularly fond of manipulated images that appear like a foreign body in untouched landscapes.

 

From hobby to profession

 

One thing is particularly important as a young, aspiring photographer: visibility. But what's the best way to get started? Where can you first present your work to the public? Gregor did it the smart way! He started with a group exhibition and then went on to compete for an exhibition space.

 

With complete success: in July 2024, he submitted his photos to "Lichtblicke-Das Handwerk im Bild", WKW's exhibition of Viennese professional photography, and won a place in the open-air exhibition. The 100 best-judged submissions from Lichtblicke 2024 can also be seen on berufsfotografie-wien.at in a separate gallery and are therefore accessible to a broad public. One of his works can currently be admired in the Vienna Prater and Augarten. Stop by the next Autumn Walk until October 7, 2024 - it's worth it!

 

MONOLITH: The inexplicable meets the familiar

 

Photography is not only a way of capturing the world around us, but also a form of self-expression. Gregor likes the surreal, creating a tension between what is known and the unknown. His new series MONOLITH explores the connection between nature and abstraction in an impressive and individual way: what is real and what is just an illusion?

 

By cleverly combining reality and fiction, the "Monolith" series encourages viewers to rethink their patterns of perception and explore the subtle differences between nature and abstraction. The precise positioning of the monoliths deliberately draws the viewer's attention and reveals hidden details that might be overlooked at first glance. These exotic components create an interesting dynamic that questions the familiar and opens up new perspectives. A visual experiment that invites us to perceive our surroundings with fresh eyes and to recognize the hidden in the obvious.

 

His unique perspective and creative approach to photography are inspiring and a date in our calendar well worth seeing. October 4 is the big vernissage with an opening speech by the well-known photographer and mentor Rita Newman. MONOLITH can then be admired from October 5 - 11 at "The Open Factory" at Esterhazygasse 3, 1060. Every reader is of course cordially invited!

 

Are you still looking for a photographer for your products or campaigns or are you generally interested in getting to know Gregor and finding out more about his work? Then get in touch with him!