BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY HIDING IN AN OLD LAUNDRY ROOM

Whenever I come back to Prague, I make it a point to explore the burgeoning arts and culture scene here. This time was no different. And one of the stops was the intriguing photography show of works by Alžběta Jungrová. I will admit, this show is not new. In fact it opened earlier this spring. But, just seeing glimpses of it in my social feed, I put it on my “must see” list during my most recent visit. And I was not disappointed. In fact, I am hard pressed to recall when I saw such an interesting installation in Prague (and yes, I have been to David Cerny’s Musoleum as well - but that will be another post).

Why, you ask? Well, several things. First, there is a lot of black and white portrait photography. And that is my sweet spot. Something I have always enjoyed. Knowing that alone was reason enough.

Second, it’s the location and the format the author chose. Alžběta installed her photographs quite unconventionally - in a now defunct laundry room of a hospital on Karlovo náměstí. The choice of the place creates a really interesting atmosphere with its somewhat raw architecture (and the entrance is from the Faust house that is subject to mystery and legends known to all Prague citizens).

In addition, she experimented with materials and the presentation. You can find photos printed on metal mesh curtains, large-format plastic plates, projected on an old glass door, placed in a piece of furniture or partly showing the underlying old hospital tile. Those who are not afraid of heights can climb to the elevated platform that’s been purpose-built in the space and admire the views from a different perspective. This is helpful, because the photos are hung at different heights, a number of them well above natural eye level. So, if you’re willing the brave the slightly rickety ladder, do it. You will enjoy the views.

Thirdly, the title itself. “I believe...” What exactly? In today’s polarized world, many could start arguing the matters of faith at this point. But that’s not exactly what we’re talking about here. According to the author, that the leitmotif of the exhibition is "Where reality ends, fiction begins". As others have written, looking at the photos, it's hard to tell which of these worlds it is. They intertwine. As the photographer does not name her photos, it is entirely up to the viewer to process them him/herself, including the emotions they evoke. And those emotions can range from joy to shock to sadness and melancholy. Whatever your mood, you are likely to find something that will speak to you. And if all of that is not enough, and you are looking for something more, why not wake up your inner child and find joy on the little swing set that’s been installed in the space. You will have fun and see the photos from yet another vantage point.

Ready to go? You still have plenty of opportunity. The show runs at the current location at Všeobecna fakultní nemocnice in Praha 2 (VFN, U nemocnice 2, Praha) through October 15.

Like photography? You might enjoy my blogs about Vincent Peters or Bruce Weber’s photography

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

When I first saw Stephane’s work in a gallery in SoHo many years ago, I was instantly drawn to his striking black and white portraits. Yes, they were celebrity portraits, but there was something about them that was different. These were not your typical staged celeb photos. No, they felt much more like candids, catching the well known faces in spontaneous moments, often mid-laugh or pondering some philosophical thought. They felt much more unique. And you already know the depth of my love for black and white photography… no wonder I was hooked! So, I explored. Met the person behind the lens. Bought a couple of the photographs. And made a new friend in the process. And today, I am lucky to interview Stephane Kossmann for this blog. I hope you enjoy reading.

Stephane, welcome to Loves Art Will Travel. What shaped your unique portraiture style?

I want to say it's been a long process. But it’s actually more simple than that. I realized early on that I had a gift for making the person that I photograph trust me. I make them feel comfortable. That changes the equation.

What do you look for to find that perfect shot, that moment that you want to capture?

For the red carpet pictures, I try to find views that are not posed, those candid moments that give the viewer a different, more human perspective. I find those much more interesting than your average glamour shots.

The vast majority of your portrait work is in black and white photography. Why this preference? And are there any instances where you would reach for color?

It actually goes back to the beginning of my Cannes career. I started covering Cannes for a magazine that only used black and white pictures, which was very different from the work of press photographers. There is a sense of timelessness in a black and white print.

[Author’s note: Stephane uses color for his landscape shots - and quite skillfully. His portraits, however, deliver their impact through his keen focus on black and white prints]

You rose to fame thanks to your annual coverage of the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. What makes Cannes different and unique from other film festivals? How does photographing it influence your work?

Well, Cannes is the most famous film festival in the world. In fact, and I bet you didn’t know this, it is the second most press-covered event in the world, right after the Olympics. For artists, Cannes is the pinnacle of one’s career, a fitting symbol of the dedication they give to their art. If you are aware of this, if you pay attention and have a keen eye, there is a lot of emotion and feeling there for you to capture.

Over the years, you have shot thousands of famous faces. Are there any celebrities that you like to photograph, that you come back to, time and time again? What is their appeal for you?

I like taking pictures of Brad Pitt. The fans are always crazy about him... And, it seems that he is a nice guy. I also have a lot of respect for Meryl Streep, what she stands for. And she is also very discreet. A true icon.

On a completely different occasion, I had the privilege of spending 20 minutes alone with John Lewis. This was, quite possibly, the best moment of my photographic life. His humility. The sweetness of his voice. I will remember this until I die.

We’ve been friends for a while and I know that you also tackle other photographic projects, be it New York landscapes, or various photography festivals and symposia. Tell me a bit more about these projects. What’s on your calendar this year?

You’re right. I created three photography festivals, one in France, one in Morocco, and one in Selma, Alabama. It's nice to bring communities together. This spring, I have a show coming up in Manhattan, at the Sofitel. Come say hi!

Outside of photography, I am also working on a documentary movie about segregation and am currently looking for a producer.

As a photographer, you split your time between France and New York. How does the world of photography differ between these two locations? What differences are there in clients’ tastes and expectations?

The world of photography has shifted to more and more images. Everyone is a photographer now with their phone. So, clients now expect you to have your own signature.

You’ve had a rich career. Is there any project that is on your “bucket list”? Something that you would still love to cover?

I want to make movies.

In closing, I try to learn a little bit more about the people I interview. Are you open to answering a few rapid-fire questions for me?

Morning coffee or tea? Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Mountains or sea? Sea, definitely.

Dog or cat? Dog

Right now I love talking to… Peter Knapp

For inspiration I go to… Museums

A well spent weekend is… resting and reading

My next trip will be… I would love to go to Iceland

Thank you, Stephane. I can’t wait to see more of your work and grab that coffee with you and your camera in New York soon.

For those of you who want to learn more about Stephane and his work, you can either visit his upcoming show in New York (referenced in this blog) or follow him on instagram or find him on his website.