Bronislaw (Bronek) Kozka, Ascent to Thorong La Pass (LANDSCAPE & ENVIRONMENT)

In "Mountain Water: Walking the Annapurna Track", I delve deep into the relationship between modern photography and ancient traditions, capturing the profound connection between humanity and nature. My image, "Ascent to Thorong La Pass", serves as a testament to this exploration. Throughout my journey on the Annapurna Track in Nepal, I didn't merely document physical landscapes. Instead, I embarked on a philosophical journey, highlighting the intricate dance between modern photographic techniques and the timeless resonance of artistic expression. This wasn't just about showcasing the beauty of our surroundings, but an endeavor to manifest the physical and emotional challenges encountered on this voyage. Guided by the footsteps of many before me on the Annapurna Track, I aimed to transcend traditional landscape photography. My series is an invitation for the observer to not only witness the beauty of these landscapes but to deeply engage with them, feeling the spirit of the place. I intertwine modern techniques with the traditions of "shanshui" painting from Anhui Province, China. This method doesn't just depict landscapes but encapsulates their very essence, triggering emotions and memories beyond the visual. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of "shanshui", my work juxtaposes contemporary photographic practices with this ancient art form. This approach bridges the gap between the tangible and the intangible, weaving a narrative that encompasses both visual and emotional landscapes. With my hand-held devices as modern-day brushes, I transcend the superficial, creating images that resonate with emotion and visual storytelling. Through the lens of my devices, I immerse myself in the moment, capturing real-time impressions of the landscape and my personal response to it. In the process of creating this series, I was inspired to question the ability of our modern-day devices, like the iPhone, to deeply connect us with nature. Through my work, these devices transform from mere tools into conduits for communion. Much like the traditional Anhui painters, I utilize a layering technique reminiscent of brushstrokes in "shanshui" painting. This layering technique is an ode to the Bifaji philosophy, emphasizing the need to capture both the physical features and the underlying essence of an object. The tactile and sensory nature of my images is a tribute to the Anhui painters' approach, characterised by their unique dry brushwork and "boneless" technique. In my photographs, blurred edges, multiple layers, and movements invite the audience into a rich visual and sensory experience. My technique of capturing multiple exposures simultaneously is pivotal to the crafting of each image. Every shift, intentional or unintentional, every breath, transforms the final outcome. Each image encapsulates my physical response to the environment, turning moments of exhaustion, gusts of wind, or chilling rain into intrinsic components of the final artwork. Navigating the dynamics between Western and Chinese interpretations of beauty and the sublime has been an enlightening journey. The Chinese aesthetic resonates deeply with my approach, emphasizing a profound connection between humans and nature. By juxtaposing these interpretations, I believe my series provides a refreshing perspective on our shared human experience with the natural world.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.