” I love that the beauty in your photograph (Eve Asleep in The Forest) is very powerful, simple and direct. I sense in your work the love of life, and of humanity. What is also great about your work is that it asks more questions than gives answers. It’s not a strident critique of anything, but an open mind.”
-Curator Jill Rupinsky
” Schwab began with, ‘Ruminations On Adam and Eve’ for his inaugural solo show, with curiosity that leads to research and contemplation. Although he points to the similarities in the mitochondrial DNA of every human race as evidence, his hypotheses is more emotional and heartfelt. Schwab refers to Adam and Eve as our original parents and to Eve as mother of the earth. Defining Adam and Eve as parental figures creates a connection for all of humanity as one global family. Family is bonded for life by blood. In theory, you are part of me, therefore I love you. God made man (Adam) in his own image. Metaphorically, humans are a collective conscience linked to the super consciousness. Humanity is made up of the same scientific elements that exist in space. Schwab reveals, ‘I don’t believe that my ideas originate with me, but that they come from somewhere else.’ Schwab articulates, when facing adversity, ‘Hope is the light of the human spirit’. Adam and Eve in America is an echo of unidentified slaves buried in nameless graves. The masks pierced with rusted nails symbolize the stolen identities and cultural genocide of African American slaves. The ancient nails are reminiscent of the holy crucifixion and the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. With royal Egyptian crossed arms, Schwab is honoring them with a moving depiction of a burial worthy of kings and dieties. Schwab’s commercial photography career in advertising, as well as his success as a photographer of fine art in the 80s, is apparent in the quality of his work. Immersed in the New York 1980s art scene, he worked with Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat. he shot a series of Basquiat in the studio and is currently working out the logistics of releasing the photographs. Schwab’s roster of gallery collaborations in the 1980s is prolific: Galerie Bruno Bischofberger, Leo Castelli Gallery, Tony Shafrazi Gallery, Gagosian and Acquavella. He defines that era as 80’s New Art Renaissance, both a renaissance and a revolution. Schwab currently works with models from The School of Visual Arts and remains connected to a diverse and vibrant community of New York artists.”
-Amanda Wall. Art Critic and artist. FF2 Media; IdeelArt
“Thought provoking.” “Fascinating.” “A beautifully told story that just happens to be true.” “The prints are gorgeous.”
Viewers respond to my exhibit: Ruminations on Adam and Eve.