Darryll Schiff
Darryll Schiff (1948 -2020) was an internationally recognized American contemporary photographer celebrated for his painterly approach to photography. His dynamic and evocative images skillfully blur the boundaries between reality and abstraction. Raised in Chicago, Schiff cultivated a deep passion for photography early on and dedicated his life to his craft.
His path as an artist was not straightforward. At the age of ten, he attended art classes at the Art Institute on Saturdays. Later, he began taking art and design classes, eventually transferring from the University of Miami to the Institute of Design in Chicago. There, he took photography classes and was mentored by the renowned Arthur Siegel, studying alongside Aaron Siskind, Joe Jachna, and engaging in discussions with Garry Winogrand and other influential photographers and teachers. This education provided him with a strong foundation in photographic techniques and a deep appreciation for the art form's expressive potential.
After leaving school, he decided to pursue commercial photography to earn a living, working in Los Angeles and photographing celebrities. Despite this success, he felt something was missing. Although he enjoyed working with these celebrities, he sought a greater challenge and chose to return to his fine art roots and leave L.A. for a while. Back in Chicago, he began "looking for himself," seeking a unique style that would distinguish him from others.
Darryll Schiff - Quintessence (2014).
Over the years, Schiff has developed a distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors, blurred motion, and layered compositions. His work often explores themes of urban life, human movement, and the passage of time, capturing the energy and complexity of modern existence. His images evoke a sense of dreamlike reality, inviting viewers to engage with the emotional and psychological depths of his subjects.
Schiff's photography has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide, earning critical acclaim for its innovative approach and emotional resonance. His series "Descending to Heaven," in particular, has been widely celebrated for its stunning visual impact and thought-provoking narrative.
In addition to his artistic practice, Schiff is dedicated to mentoring emerging photographers and contributing to the broader photographic community. He continues to live and work in Chicago, where he draws inspiration from the city's vibrant culture and ever-changing landscape.
Darryll Schiff's work is held in prestigious collections and has been featured in various publications, cementing his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary photography. Through his compelling images, Schiff offers a unique perspective on the world, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and explore the profound connections between light, movement, and emotion.
Darryll Schiff - Unity Confluence (2014).
The career of Darryll Schiff: influential fine art photographer and Chicago artist
Darryll Schiff formally studied photography at the Institute of Design under the guidance of Arthur Siegel, Joseph Jachna, Gary Winograd, and Aaron Siskind, where he learned Bauhaus principles, classical photography, and was encouraged to experiment. He was notably one of three undergraduate students included in the renowned Student Independent Portfolio.
Following his education, Schiff pursued both his fine art and a successful commercial photography career, working for notable publications such as Los Angeles Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Rolling Stone, Women’s Wear Daily, Stern, Geo, Beverly Hills Magazine, Pepsi, Capitol Records, and Charles Jourdan. He also photographed celebrities including Tea Leoni, Lisa Marie Presley, Mark Harmon, Chazz Palminteri, Jason Patric, Jasmine Guy, Robin Williams, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Schiff's fine art photography is part of prestigious collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, George Eastman House, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Norton Simon Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago. In November 2017, the Koehnline Museum of Art acquired its second print from Schiff, "The Parade Commences," from his Descending to Heaven series.
Darryll Schiff - Quintessence Nouveau III (2014).
Schiff is also featured in the Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) with his 24 by 56-foot mural "Descending into Heaven," which is included in the Public Art Chicago app. His work has been showcased internationally at prominent art fairs, including Photo L.A., Art Busan, South Korea, Bazaar Jakarta, Indonesia, Art Miami, New York Art Week, and PLAS Seoul.
For Darryll Schiff, photography was more than just capturing an image; it was only one part of the process. He placed significant emphasis on pre-visualizing what he wanted to convey and then creating that vision within the camera. Sometimes, post-production played a role, typically involving printing test panels of his current work and examining them closely under lights.
Recognized as one of Chicago's most influential artists, Schiff pushes the boundaries of photography, using his camera to create abstract, painterly images rather than traditional documentation. A recurring theme in Schiff's work was the impact of modern times on human needs. He believed that the expansion of technology and media had a profound effect on us, leading to an addiction to these digital tools and platforms. Schiff felt that this media saturation often isolated people rather than connecting them, which was its intended purpose.
Darryll Schiff - Angel (Rapture) (2014).
Selena Mattei
