Rhythmic Arrangements: Perognathus: Male Nude and Specimens

About the Photographer

Schoenfeld, Diana

American

Diana Schoenfeld describes her photography practice as self-reflective and poetic. Her work in the collection of the MoCP represents selections from her Rhythmic Arrangements series. These gold-toned gelatin silver prints are composed of meticulously arranged, pseudo-scientific specimens of dead birds, beetles, desiccated plants, and bones. The compositions balance pathos with detached analysis, evoking a sense of loss and introspective contemplation.

Schoenfeld completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Georgia State University (1972) and an MA in Studio Art and Photography (1974) and MFA in the History and Practice of Photography (1984) from the University of New Mexico. Solo exhibitions include Schoolhouse Odyssey: Exploring Remote Location Ghost Schools and Voices from the Past (2011) at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in Eureka, CA. Exhibition catalogs include Symbol and Surrogate, the Picture Within (University of Hawaii Art Gallery, 1989). She has held numerous teaching positions around the country. Schoenfeld lives and works as a photographer and arts educator in California.