Introduction

Erik Chmil (born 1968) is always on the search for the meaningful detail, whether in urban architecture or the cantilevered landscape of the mountains. As a distanced observer with a penchant for helping himself to graphic formal language, he opens still views of nature and culture’s changing relationships. “Who are you to dare come up here among us,” the bright mountains in the background seem to admonish. And thus teach us humility amidst such mighty, indeed romantic scenery.

Bio

1968	born in Leverkusen, Germany
1983	started interest in photography
1989-1991	assistence in Dusseldorf, Germany
1991-1994	Visual Communication,University of Applied Sciences, Dortmund, Germany
	semester abroad, Ecole des beaux arts, Besancon, France
	assistance, Finnland
1993	first studio, Hilden, Germany
	started architectural photography and reportages
since 1995	studio in Cologne, Germany, mainly advertising photography
1998	first car shooting
	Since then, Chmil hast been working worldwide for various clients and agencies in Germany, Italy, Spain, and the US. He is member of the BFF and AOP

Awards

2011	BFF Merit
2010	200 Best Photographers, Lürzers
2010	Red Dot Design Award and ADC Bronze for book publikation
2004	Kelly Award Finalist, Porsche campaign, USA
1987-1989	Award German Youth Photography Price

Exhibitions

1994	Galerie Lichthof, Dusseldorf, Germany