# Existentialist Self-Portraits Alex Schaefer Explores Helplessness in the Face of Death By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-05-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alex-schaefer References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2014/05/12/alex-schaefer/) & [alexschaeferphotography](http://alexschaeferphotography.com/) It's hard to believe that Alex Schaefer is only a senior at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Seemingly wise beyond his years, the talented photo artist explores the [darker side of the human experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness) in his [surreal series of self-portraiture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). Schaefer examines themes of helplessness, loss and death through his spooky images images. He portrays himself as weak, defenseless and vulnerable through a [series of unusual props](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) and Photoshop techniques. Indeed, each image displays the moment before the presumable "end" for Schaefer, who is unable to evade the natural and supernatural forces that chase him relentlessly. It is clear that Schaefer's attempts for survival are futile, inspiring a sense of dread and discomfort in the viewer. Ultimately, Schaefer's series confronts our worst fears in a hauntingly beautiful way. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Surreal Self-portraiture:** Exploring the darker side of the human experience through unconventional self-portraits. - **Themes of Helplessness and Loss:** Examining feelings of vulnerability and futile attempts at survival. - **Exploring Fear Through Art:** Confronting our worst fears in a hauntingly beautiful way. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Arts:** Opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional self-portraiture and evoke deep emotions. - **Photography:** Innovative techniques and props to create surreal and thought-provoking images. - **Digital Art:** Utilizing Photoshop and digital manipulation to enhance the portrayal of vulnerability and fear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Art-Inspired Streetwear Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes.md)