Black & White in reduction and perfection - interview with photographer Joerg Karrenbauer

The photographic gaze focuses on the significant pixel; the visual sense reduced perception to black, white and all shades of grey. In this way monochromatic images with a timeless, surreal and sometimes monumental character arises. Joerg Karrenbauer, photographer and curator from Saarbrücken (Germany), photographs exclusively in black and white and prints his works superbly on Hahnemühle paper. We cooperate with the artist who successfully participates in international competitions and exhibits. The video for our Hahnemühle FineArt Inkjet Leather Albums is a joint creation and we collaborated in the new packaging image for our Certificates of Authenticity. Now we have asked Joerg Karrenbauer for an interview.

When did you discover your passion for photography?

At 16 I got my first SLR from my brother. That was the initial spark for my love of photography.

How did you come to the world of black and white photography?

©Joerg Karrenbauer_Seaside Moods

Black and White has fascinated me from the beginning. Contrast and composition as a design tool for me the attraction: In particular, the reduction to the essentials. Moreover, I have committed myself to the black and white Landscape.

Which of your projects / designs you succeeded in the international entry into the professional market?

With my evocative long exposures from the series “Seaside Moods” I had my international market breakthrough.

Do you have an idol in the photograph?

No! Although I am thrilled to outstanding photographers such as Sebastiao Salgado, but they do not influence my style.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Clear composed, reduced, atmospheric load.

What is most challenging about black and white photography?

The clean elaboration.

©Joerg Karrenbauer_Atlantic Wall

How important is the printed presentation of your works of art?

A significant importance because the print makes the picture only an artwork – and with Hahnemühle Certificate of Authenticity, Hologram, signature and my personal embossing it becomes an original.

Which is your favorite Hahnemühle paper and why?

FineArt Baryta. The depth of the blackness and the crisp sharpness combined with a noble appearance are unmatched.

Do you have a dream of a subject or a project that you would like even realize?

Mich irritate portrait series with documentary character. Faces tell stories.

What are you planning next?

©Joerg Karrenbauer_ London Landmarks_Time Demands Its Tribute

I’m currently working on a conceptual black and white edition in Assemblage art. Partially I let cutouts slightly hovering above the image (applied to Foamboard). Very exciting and a new experimental challenge for me. I have done this with London motifs for a project with subsequent exhibition at London College Of Communication (UAL) and prepare in this collage-like technique my new series “Gum”. The assemblage technique with floating individual picture elements add a second level of meaning and gives the photographs an enhanced, exciting dimensionality for the viewer.