Gary Schneider

Photographer Gary Schneider is best known for his X-ray-like nudes and portraits of body parts that intricately capture the skin tones and textures of his subjects. In a series of handprint portraits produced by photogram, Schneider invited his subjects to place their hand directly onto photographic film in the dark room, then exposed and captured the image. The sweat, heat, and body oils of the individuals’ hands determined the imprint, producing intimate images that suggest ideas of mortality and human fragility. Born in South Africa, Schneider has made these portraits of a number of important South African artists, including David Goldblatt, William Kentridge, and Jo Ractliffe.