Kirstin Schmitt

Photographer

I am Kirstin Schmitt, media artist working mainly with photography & film. Since 2006 I life in Berlin & Havana, where I have a studio in Old Havana together with the Cuban photographer Juan Aristides Otamendiz. I am a nominator for World Press Photo 6x6 Talents. After studying Cultural Anthropology, Latin American Studies (Focus: Visual Anthropology, Central America & Caribbean See) is studied Filmmaking in Germany & the at EICTV-Escuela Internacional de Cine y TV (Cuba). 2010-2014 I worked as filmteacher for the Goethe Institute & Journalism University Angola. My projects are focusing on liminal stages, premonitions, and the impact of transition on individuals. I capture everyday life miniatures, which I understand as a confession of how we are dealing with meaning & meaninglessness of life. Characteristic of my work is the use of environment and intimate encounters with the strength and vulnerability of my protagonists. My work got showcased at museums, art fairs and at filmfestivals (Museum Louvre Paris, Shanghai International Film Festival, Dok-Leipzig, Art Basel Miami-Scope Art Show, Sumerset house London etc.). I had collective exhibitions in both Americas, Asia, Africa & Europa. My awarded work (1place Sony Award, 1place IPA-International photography Awards, USA / Winner LAF5-Latin American photography, NY etc.) got published in a variety of international press like TimeLightbox, the guardian, Spiegel, Zeit online, Huffington Post, NZZ, Interview Magazin etc.