Fabian Kochendoerfer
Butterfly Angel (Series)
DESCRIPTION
The butterfly is a deep and powerful representation of life.
In many cultures, butterflies are symbolic of spiritual transformation, representing rebirth, change, hope, and balance in life.
The transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly mirrors the process of spiritual transformation. The short life of the butterfly serves to remind us that life is short.
I captured this photograph using a vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera from the 1970s.
I used rare expired color film that develops unique colors, which I love to use for special occasions.
The expired film produced unpredictable tones because of its expiration, creating a vintage charm and retro atmosphere that only long-expired instant film can achieve.
Expired analog film allows me to capture images with a cinematic, film-like quality, achieving the look and feel of a still frame from a movie scene.
I spent many weeks taking many pictures to get these perfect shots. Butterflies move quickly and are easily startled, especially with a vintage Polaroid camera, making capturing a high-quality image of a butterfly even more challenging.
Butterflies seem like creatures from another world to me: so fragile, so light, so majestic, and free. What a beautiful and mysterious creature!
AUTHOR
Fabian Kochendoerfer is a pioneering instant film artist since 2000, developing a distinctive style that makes visible the truths he discovered through philosophical and meditative insight.
Using vintage Polaroid cameras and rare expired instant film, he transforms fleeting moments like butterflies into reflections of reality, moments of infinity, and truth.
Embracing the risks of expired film, he intentionally creates unique, unpredictable tones, producing a cinematic, film-like quality and a vintage atmosphere impossible to achieve digitally.
His art embodies his discoveries:
“The world is just an illusion. Life is a dream. Wake up and know yourself!”
“The universe has beauty in abundance, and consciousness to witness it. My art is a reminder of this truth.”
Capturing delicate subjects on instant film is extraordinarily challenging. Fabian composes each shot with patience, turning fleeting moments into timeless, contemplative images that merge technical mastery with artistic intuition.
His photography has earned international recognition, including nominations and awards from FAPA, MIFA, IPA, ND Awards, PX3, and TIFA. Exhibitions include shows alongside Art Basel, Art Basel Miami, and the Venice Biennale.
He holds a Diploma from the Merz Academy, Stuttgart, Germany, and a Master of Arts from the University of Portsmouth, England.
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