Being Human
Being Human
November 21, 2023
![Schimpanse_1992_p](https://lfi-online.de/webfile/img/8491731/Schimpanse_1992_p.jpg?x=800&y=800)
Walter Schels: Chimpanzee, 1992
For more than five decades, Walter Schels has been shining a light on people navigating extreme life situations and events. In his series and long-term studies, he investigates transformational stages of human existence – from birth and personal development, to death – without losing sight of the individuality of those he portrays.
Schels became known for his portraits of personalities such as Andy Warhol, Yehudi Menuhin, Angela Merkel or the Dalai Lama. His work is shaped by the complex relationship between photographer and protagonist. With his distinctive, black and white aesthetic, the artist has succeeded in developing an authentic visual language that blends documentary and fine-art photography, and frequently transcends conventional pictorial approaches.
![Schimpanse_1992_p](https://lfi-online.de/webfile/img/8491731/Schimpanse_1992_p.jpg?x=800&y=800)
Walter Schels: Chimpanzee, 1992
![Walter-Schels_Mathis_10 Monate_2004_p](https://lfi-online.de/webfile/img/8491732/Walter-Schels_Mathis_10-Monate_2004_p.jpg?x=800&y=800)
Walter Schels: Mathis, 10 months, 2004
![Walter-Schels_MonikaHolzleitner_101Jahre_1990_p](https://lfi-online.de/webfile/img/8491733/Walter-Schels_MonikaHolzleitner_101Jahre_1990_p.jpg?x=800&y=800)
Walter Schels: Monika Holzleitner, 101 years, 1990
![Walter-Schels_Trans__Louis_2016](https://lfi-online.de/webfile/img/8491734/Walter-Schels_Trans__Louis_2016.jpg?x=800&y=800)
Walter Schels: Trans Louis, 2016