Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2024 i Lens Magazine

“My artistic series, "The Other," embarks on a vibrant exploration of feminist ideals, seeking to disrupt entrenched societal norms and shed light on the intricate struggles of womanhood. Employing a blend of staged photography and evocative visual storytelling, I plunge into the profound impact of societal expectations on women’s sense of self and their value within patriarchal frameworks. Drawing inspiration from the influential works of feminist authors such as Betty Friedan and Naomi Wolf, my art navigates the complex terrains of identity, societal pressures, and the pursuit of genuineness. It serves as a compelling odyssey aimed at re-evaluating and reconstructing histories, spotlighting the formidable influence of a male-dominated society in shaping and limiting women’s identities. This profoundly personal series is a testament to my own introspective journey. It reflects my…

Davarzen City is situated in the semi-desert landscape of Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province, an area steeped in rich historical significance. Notably, Davarzen holds the top rank in Iran for cultivated land and red pepper production. The region’s optimal climate fosters exceptional growth of the red pepper, particularly in the renowned Beyzeh village, recognized as the hottest village in Iran. Beyzeh village thrives as the epicenter of pepper production, hosting approximately 40 expansive pepper gatherings and packaging workshops. Around 40% of the village’s populace is employed in the pepper mill, while approximately 50% are involved in the spice trade. An additional 10% is dedicated to agriculture and animal husbandry. As a result, this village stands as one of Iran’s primary hubs for pepper production and the leading exporter of pepper to…

“THESE GREY AND STRANGE FORMS IN A ROCKY LANDSCAPE WERE MEANT TO BE UNBREAKABLE, BURIED BY SAND AND WIND, AND FRACTURED BY STORMS. During World War II, the Channel Islands, located just off the coast of France, were the only British dependencies held by the Third Reich. For propagandistic purposes, Jersey, among other Channel Islands, was the most heavily fortified part of a 3800km line of fortifications intended to secure occupied Europe from Allied attacks. Over 10% of the materials planned for the Atlantic Wall went to use on the Channel Islands, with thousands of slave workers brought in from continental Europe, transforming the Isles into concrete fortresses that, unexpectedly, were never used and remain in place today. The architecture of shelters and defenses caught my interest more than their…

“MY WORK IS AUTHENTIC, NARRATIVE, AND OFTEN INSTINCTIVE. I METHODICALLY CREATE A BODY OF WORK IN WHICH MY PHOTOGRAPHS INTERWEAVE, COMPLEMENT, AND RESPOND TO EACH OTHER, TRANSCENDING THE LIMITATIONS OF WORDS.” Raynald Najosky, a native of Reims, France, was born in 1971 and has been a globe-trotter since the 1990s. His extensive travels, both for professional and personal reasons, have played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision and personal growth. Raynald Najosky firmly believes in the concept of freedom – freedom of thought, movement, and self perception, and this philosophy is deeply embedded in his work. His photographs encapsulate the various dimensions of freedom – be it physical, intellectual, or emotional. He adamantly resists confining himself to a specific photographic style or movement, asserting that photography should prompt…

THE NEGATIVE SPACE OF THESE DECONSTRUCTED IMAGES IS THE PAUSE BETWEEN THE MUSIC NOTES, A DISRUPTION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN INTERPRETATION AND ENJOY THE SILENCE. THIS EMPTINESS ALLOWS FOR POTENTIAL. THIS IS AN EMOTIONAL QUEST, A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. PERHAPS LAU TZU SAID IT BEST SOME 2,700 YEARS AGO: "BE STILL. STILLNESS REVEALS THE SECRETS OF ETERNITY." Grace in Isolation. This is the central theme of Jacques Garnier’s Hymns to the Silence. Themotivating factor is to create space around an object (Isolated Architectural Elements) so it can breathe and be appreciated for what it is without any distractions. These minimal, abstracted B&W photographs dwell in the zone between report and fabrication. "I try to create the poem from the evidence," said playwright Arthur Miller. Garnier’s photographs capture modernist…

Internationally acclaimed photographer Jenny Rae Bateman, who hails from Kimberley, skillfully captures the untamed spirit of free-spirited horses and the genuine bond between horse and rider. Her portfolio encompasses a wide range of settings, from the thrilling energy of rodeos to the serene beauty of the wilderness, horse-related clinics, and portraits that encapsulate the essence of the Western lifestyle. Jenny’s artistry not only showcases the rugged allure of wild horses but also offers a window into the lives of resilient, hardworking, and big-hearted individuals. She captures a lifestyle defined by unyielding resilience and unwavering determination through her lens. For Jenny, photography is a medium of storytelling, a means to evoke deep emotions, and a tool to forge genuine connections. Her passion for rodeo photography goes beyond capturing athletes in the…

“Street photography is all about capturing fleeting moments in time. It’s an art form that thrives on the spontaneity of everyday life. When I'm out on the streets with my camera, I'm not in control of the environment, but I'm also not letting the environment dictate my shots. It’s about finding that delicate balance. Street photography is about forging a unique connection with my subject, often a stranger. The best photos emerge from the tension between myself and the person I'm capturing. This person doesn't have to acknowledge my presence; in fact, it’s usually better if they remain lost in their own world. Yet, the invisible thread that connects us - the line of sight linking them to my lens - carries a wealth of emotion. It’s not just about…

" This project is a unique insight into the world of Hellfest, capturing moments from two editions (2023-2024) in incredible detail. It’s a comprehensive, long-term endeavor dedicated to documenting the vibrant culture surrounding the Hellfest. I focus on portraying the festival-goers, providing captivating portraits of the artists, and revealing the compelling behind-the-scenes stories. Hellfest is a renowned annual open-air festival celebrating heavy metal and hard rock music, which has been taking place in Clisson, France, since 2006. Featuring a diverse lineup of legendary and emerging bands across multiple stages, the festival draws approximately 250,000 attendees each June. Attendees are immersed in a one-of-a-kind experience with stunning decorations, themed areas, and engaging entertainment such as fire shows. As one of the largest metal festivals in Europe and the first of its…

"THE ACTOR WEARS THE PUPPET LIKE A COSTUME TO GIVE IT THEIR PERSONALITY AND BRING IT TO LIFE. THE THEATER STAGES CLASSIC FAIRY TALES LIKE "CINDERELLA" AND "SNOW WHITE". OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS, THEY HAVE CREATED EIGHT FAIRY TALE PERFORMANCES AND NUMEROUS PUPPETS." In Pionki, a town located in the Masovian Voivodeship, approximately 3% of the population grapples with intellectual disabilities. To address the needs of these individuals, the city authorities took an admirable step 25 years ago by establishing a center to provide them with the necessary support. This center also became home to a puppet theater, offering those with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their talent and become actors. This initiative has opened a new and heartwarming chapter in the lives of these individuals, empowering them…

“An hour south of Indianapolis, Indiana, three communities – Bloomington, Nashville, and Columbus - are home to an impressive and somewhat unexpected arts and architecture scene. I.M. Pei, Eero Saarinen, Richard Meier, and other world-renowned architects have been called upon to turn the native Indiana limestone and other materials into functional works of art. Limestone was first quarried as a building stone in 1827 in Monroe County and continues to be produced in Monroe and Lawrence Counties for building projects around the world. Regardless of the subject matter, a photo essay has a structure and focus to help convey its essence. While this area of the state of Indiana is rich in natural beauty and outdoor activities from kayaking and mountain biking to hiking and ziplining which would make a…