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Filmmaker, commercial director, fashion photographer, artist, activist—throughout his career, Ralf Schmerberg (born 1965) has worn many hats. His unique perspective and understanding of the world have established him as one of today’s most prolific visual artists.
At 17, he left school to break free from the constraints and strict social norms of suburban Germany. Driven by a growing interest in social and political issues and a search for an alternative, altruistic way of life, Schmerberg initially joined the Sannyasins. In 1985, he met Jiddu Krishnamurti during his Last Talks in Saanen, Switzerland, and lived among the 17th Karmapa and his followers, delving into Tibetan Buddhist philosophies.
After his spiritual journey, he returned to Germany and took up photography. The camera became his constant companion, enabling him to create an extensive photo diary over the years. His work offers unexpected portraits of the spirit of the times and poignant glimpses into everyday life. With a deeply personal and candid approach, Schmerberg captures the world around him, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and presents viewers with an unfiltered, honest reality that engages, delights, and sometimes unsettles. Alongside his photography, he has developed a rich cinematic portfolio that includes feature films, documentaries, shorts, music videos, and commercials. Embracing new forms, he continually experiments with unfamiliar media, from large-scale installations to contemporary happenings.
Much of Schmerberg’s work is motivated by a strong interest in social activism and dialogue, aiming to create meaningful interventions in the social realm. Projects like the online platform Dropping Knowledge, "The Table of Free Voices," and films such as "Problema" and "Poem" foster broad discussions and ongoing reflection. In 2007, he founded the art collective Mindpirates, whose collaborative and experimental public activities quickly became a vital part of Berlin’s cultural scene.
Since 2014, Schmerberg has been engaged in a long-term cinematic and photographic project documenting the fading beauty of the Indian subcontinent. He currently lives and works in Berlin.
