MIchael Weinstein

In the most complex conceptual photo-installation on record, Christopher Schneberger has invented Dr. Charles Addison, an early twentieth-century Chicago portrait photographer; "recreated" his studio in elegant and credible detail; and presented the marvelous story of his encounters with one of his subjects--Regina Crosswell--in captivating black-and-white images. Defying the laws of nature, whenever Addison photographs Regina, she appears with her deceased sister Lydia, who no one can see but Regina and the camera's lens. By giving a ghostly substance to Lydia, who is a stronger figure than the full-bodied Regina, Schneberger stunningly conveys his insight that we all seek supplements to mundane reality. Intelligent pathos is Schneberger's hallmark; as Regina and Lydia cavort and commune in gardens, graveyards and parlors, we are delivered to the fantasy that our own longings might some time take on at least ectoplasmic form.

Christopher Schneberger's "Assumed Identities" shows at Flatfile Galleries, 217 North Carpenter, (312)491-1190, through February 11.

(2005-01-11)

Also by MIchael Weinstein

Tip of the Week
Among the twenty-two photographers in this dense show celebrating the various modernist genres, the standout artists deploy their straight-shooting talents to highlight unfamiliarity
(2005-01-04)

Tip of the Week
For postmodern photographer Magdalena Correa, Barcelona's new ultra-modernist World Trade Center is an opportunity to evoke the complex emotions that we experience in the antiseptic and alienating temples of commerce
(2005-01-03)

Tip of the Week
A photographer can go stir-crazy in a solitary-confinement cell and begin to hallucinate the most improbable visions
(2004-12-21)

Tip of the Week
Native American photo-artists Erica Lord and Debra Yepa-Pappan skewer myths with deep cuts and salving wit
(2004-12-14)

Tip of the Week
(2004-11-22)

Tip of the Week
(2004-11-03)

Tip of the Week
(2004-10-20)

Tip of the Week
(2004-10-06)

Tip of the Week
(2004-09-14)

Tip of the Week
(2004-08-31)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-29)

Tip of the Week
(2004-06-22)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment