Biography

Born in Wettingen, Switzerland.

He studied German philology and philosophy at the University of Zurich and photography at Zurich University of the Arts. From 1997 to 2013 he lived in Tokyo and worked intensively in Asia with a focus on China. During this time, he was profoundly influenced by Japanese photography, which is renowned for its in-depth documentary perspective. This inspiration is reflected in the way in which he tackles visual narratives about complex topics such as the social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time, often in conjunction with texts. His photography combines social documentation, critical reflection, and visual poetry. It invites viewers to reflect on the consequences of human action. His work has been published in numerous international magazines and exhibited worldwide.

His photo book From Somewhere to Nowhere. China’s Internal Migrants (2008) is a compelling photographic documentation that explores the social and economic impacts of economic growth on the day-to-day realities faced by Chinese migrants within the country, from the booming coastal cities to rural areas. It was nominated for the Kraszna-Krausz Book Awards in 2009.

The Colors of Growth. China’s Huai River (2012) came into being along the banks of the Huai, which divides China into a northern and a southern portion. Over a thousand kilometers long, the river becomes a symbol of the contradictions and challenges facing the people of China. Andreas Seibert’s photographs are shot through with a melancholy beauty that often provides an emotional contrast to the harsh realities depicted. This photobook also enjoyed international acclaim.

Peter Pfrunder, Director of the Swiss Foundation of Photography writes: "The strong impact of Andreas Seibert's images results not least from the fact that he pursues an aesthetic of his very own. Seibert's sense for special moods and his evident empathy with the people he met on his travels are important components of his lyrical documentary style."

Biography

Links