honorable mention
Rafał Michalak poland
title
AUTOGRESSION
The main topic of the photographic series called AUTOGRESSION is the issues focusing on a transgressive human in a psychological, sociological and cultural dimension. The concept of transgression, especially in the version presented in the scientific works of a polish psychologist, prof. Jozef Kozielecki, was compared to the studies on visible and hidden autoaggression done by a German researcher, psychiatrist and psychotherapist - Annegret Eckhardt.
AUTOGRESSION [from words auto and transgression] is a series of photographs made during body suspension and self harm sessions. It has a performative and experimental character. The author examines the psychological and emotional aspects of human being as an individual searching for his own identity, especially when confronting with strong pain and emotional strain alongside. The most fascinating topic for the author is psychotransgression, i.e. a perennial tendency for expansion endeavours to transgress the bound of one’s own abilities, overcoming the limits or the need for breaking tenacious social schemas.
Lives and works in Wroclaw, Poland. He studied political science and public relations. Graduate of Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw with a Master of Arts (Media Art Department). A member of The Association of Polish Art Photographers (ZPAF).
He has been associated with the advertising industry and commercial photography for years. In his everyday work he deals with brand communication issues as well as visual identity development for companies and corporations. At the same time, he is actively engaged in creating his own original photography, thereafter presented in exhibitions and published in trade magazines. Winner of many photographic praises and commendations.
Human being as individuality and its place in the so fast altering world are the key factors of Michalak’s photographic research. In his photography he is mostly consumed with transgression understood as a conscious and intentional exceeding of bounds and limits that we impose on ourselves or encounter. At the same time, it provides a way to learn more about the hidden depths and makes it possible to experience reality from different points of view. Transgressive approach has characterised Michalak’s personal style of representation, regardless of used technique and medium, ever since he knowingly engaged in fine-art photography. Transgression determines his personal choices in terms of subjects he approaches, and even more so, the message, i.e. the idea behind a photograph, which he believes to be essential.
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entry description
AUTOGRESSION – A STATEMENTThe main topic of the photographic series called AUTOGRESSION is the issues focusing on a transgressive human in a psychological, sociological and cultural dimension. The concept of transgression, especially in the version presented in the scientific works of a polish psychologist, prof. Jozef Kozielecki, was compared to the studies on visible and hidden autoaggression done by a German researcher, psychiatrist and psychotherapist - Annegret Eckhardt.
AUTOGRESSION [from words auto and transgression] is a series of photographs made during body suspension and self harm sessions. It has a performative and experimental character. The author examines the psychological and emotional aspects of human being as an individual searching for his own identity, especially when confronting with strong pain and emotional strain alongside. The most fascinating topic for the author is psychotransgression, i.e. a perennial tendency for expansion endeavours to transgress the bound of one’s own abilities, overcoming the limits or the need for breaking tenacious social schemas.
about the photographer
Rafal Michalak, b. 1971.Lives and works in Wroclaw, Poland. He studied political science and public relations. Graduate of Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw with a Master of Arts (Media Art Department). A member of The Association of Polish Art Photographers (ZPAF).
He has been associated with the advertising industry and commercial photography for years. In his everyday work he deals with brand communication issues as well as visual identity development for companies and corporations. At the same time, he is actively engaged in creating his own original photography, thereafter presented in exhibitions and published in trade magazines. Winner of many photographic praises and commendations.
Human being as individuality and its place in the so fast altering world are the key factors of Michalak’s photographic research. In his photography he is mostly consumed with transgression understood as a conscious and intentional exceeding of bounds and limits that we impose on ourselves or encounter. At the same time, it provides a way to learn more about the hidden depths and makes it possible to experience reality from different points of view. Transgressive approach has characterised Michalak’s personal style of representation, regardless of used technique and medium, ever since he knowingly engaged in fine-art photography. Transgression determines his personal choices in terms of subjects he approaches, and even more so, the message, i.e. the idea behind a photograph, which he believes to be essential.
back to gallery