Director/Photographer

at The Sweetshop

Phebe Schmidt, a queer Australian film director (b. 1993), is celebrated for her boundary-pushing work that defies norms and challenges conventional storytelling. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences, including science fiction, Hollywood cinema, popular culture, and beyond, she weaves together a unique tapestry of ingenuity that captivates audiences around the globe.

In her directorial style, Phebe is characterised by her meticulous craftsmanship and profound visual presence. She seamlessly merges her photographic expertise into cinematic storytelling, creating a distinct signature that sets her apart. With an unparalleled eye for detail, she delves into the surrealistic world of glamour and consumption, providing a captivating and thought-provoking perspective on today’s media-saturated society.

With a wealth of experience spanning a decade, Phebe possesses a remarkable talent for tackling complex subjects with a playful sense of humour. Her unique approach has made her a notable presence on social media, with over 50,000 devoted Instagram followers.

Phebe has skilfully threaded her dry wit from the avant-garde to her commercial endeavours. Her portfolio spans projects for prestigious clients such as UN Women, New York Magazine, and Nike, with her work also gracing the pages of renowned international and national publications, from Vogue to Vault Art magazine. Her artistic prowess extends to galleries such as MONA and Art Space. Her passion and unique perspective infuse her work, inviting exploration into the intricate layers of the narratives she creates.

[email protected]
+61 407 755 711

Selected Exhibitions

2022

The Portrait: Photo 2022, Blindside Gallery, Melbourne

2021

MONA FOMA, Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart

2019

In Character, Verge Gallery, Sydney
Your Time, The University of Sydney, Sydney

2018

Your Time, Firstdraft, Sydney
When you open your mouth to speak, West Space, Melbourne
En Suite, Island Island, Melbourne

2017

On Being, The Honeymoon Suite, Melbourne
Thongs, Lon Gallery, Melbourne

2016

Erewhon, Margaret Lawrence Gallery, Melbourne
Touring to: Horsham Regional art Gallery, Warrnambool Art Gallery, Benalla Art Gallery, Latrobe Regional Art Gallery, Victoria
The Public Body .01, Art Space, Sydney
Sweethearts, Lamington Drive, Melbourne

2015

Neverwhere, Asialink/Margaret Lawrence Gallery project, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul
Gratis, Plimsoll Gallery, Tasmania
Spring 1883 Art Fair, Establishment Hotel, Sydney
Miss Universal, Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne
Head of the River, Sydenham55, Sydney

2014

In some places it’s illegal to hang your washing out to dry, Sarah Scout, Melbourne
Render, Brunswick St Gallery, Melbourne
Studio Show, Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne
Sincerity, Moana Project Space, Perth
About Face, No Vacancy Gallery, Melbourne
It’s that sometimes you move too loud, Edmund Pearce, Melbourne

2013

May Exhibitions, Platform Art Spaces, Melbourne

2012

Kodak Salon, CCP, Melbourne

Selected Commercial Clients

New York Magazine
Mountain Goat
Moro
UN Women
Nike
Specsavers
The Iconic
MECCA
Fiverr

Selected Publications

Dazed and Confused Magazine
Interview Magazine
Elephant Magazine
I-D Magazine
Garage Magazine
Ordinary Art Magazine
Wonderland Magazine
Vault Art Magazine
Sleek Magazine
Oyster Magazine
The Lifted Brow
Girl on Girl

Awards

Eastside International Los Angeles Residency Award, 2018
Australia Council for the Arts: Development Grants Individuals and Groups, 2018

Prints

Archival pigment prints available on request