ARCHIVE 22

Archive 22

is an artistic exploration of underrepresented species listed as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 3.1) Red List of Threatened Species in need of conservation attention. The featured species lack a strong digital presence and footprint, which is why, through a hybrid practice of photography and AI-generated imagery, we construct a fictional archive that bridges the gap between presence and absence. We believe that in our digital world, innovative imagery of underrepresented species will have a positive impact in terms of raising conservation awareness and fostering emotional connections with nature. Our unique and blended practice of photography and AI-generated imagery aims to confront the realities of our changing planet, reimagining species that are often left out of the visual conservation narrative.

Our visual language is inspired by scientific archival methods and our choice to use AI came after thoughtful conversations about the challenges in photographing certain species in need of conservation attention. These challenges include practical issues such as accessibility, limited / lack of funding for fieldwork, and ethical restrictions around disturbing endangered species. The images are created through two distinct methods: camera-based photography and synthetic AI-generated imagery. Each one is printed and re-photographed inside of a ziplock bag similar to how scientists we’ve worked with collect samples in the field. We use labels to identify the kind of species, the location we photographed the species, and to clearly distinguish between photographs versus synthetic images.

Collective 22

is formed by an international group of women photographers building transnational environmental projects about the relationships between humans, nature and culture. We have exhibited in Hannover, Germany, as part of a collaboration with 20proKuadrat, a community-based art initiative committed to fostering engagement with contemporary art in a low-threshold, inclusive setting. Our project contributed to this approach by exploring new ways of bringing environmental narrative to the public realm, outside conventional exhibition spaces.

In 2021, we met during a six-month International Environmental Photography Lab hosted by Native Agency. A year later, with the desire to create a space together to build a shared vision, we formed our collective hence the name Collective 22. We organized virtual monthly meetings to continue the conversation about conservation photography, photography practices and ethics, group exhibitions and offer each other creative reviews and many other forms of support. These sessions and workshops focused on building a global narrative about our relationship with nature and the urgent need to honor the efforts to preserve/protect our environment.

Archive 22 is a visual project envisioned by two members Polina Schneider and Céline Haeberly.

Bio C. Haeberly

Céline Haeberly is a Chinese-adopted photographer raised by American-Italian and Swiss mathematicians living in Orange County. Raised in Connecticut, educated in New York City and Paris followed by a gap year in Thailand, Céline’s practice and imagery are a direct reflection of her diverse curiosities, international background, and travels. Her recent work explores the idea of migration, human’s relationship with nature, connection, and identity.

Céline has expanded her photography practice to include art-focused conservation projects. Selected exhibitions include group and solo shows in Hannover, Germany and Ensenada, Mexico. In 2024, Céline was selected by Cristina Mittermeier for the Dos Mares Gala and Photography Auction and FOMARES League of Conservation Photographers. In her past life, she was the Lead Staff Photographer for ASICS Digital and Global Marketing.

Bio P. Schneider

Polina Schneider was born in St. Petersburg during the uncertain times of the Perestroika. With an upbringing marked by a mix of languages, cultures and religions has shaped her perception of the world, which bleeds into her photographic practice. She captures contrasts and processes that involve the search of identity, environmental themes and cultural and political issues. Her work has been exhibited internationally in Europe and the USA. Polina is a co-founder of the local collective “20proKuadrat” where she works to bring art into public spaces in Hannover.