We created PhotoVogue Festival Echoes to allow those who participated in the event to contribute their voices to the Festival s narrative. During those days in Milan, we recognised our community s desire to come together and draw inspiration from each other s works. We highly value the sharing of experiences and practices, firmly believing that providing dedicated space to each artist can appropriately acknowledge the outstanding projects exhibited in November at the PhotoVogue Festival.
András Ladocsi is the protagonist of the 11th episode of PhotoVogue Festival Echoes. The artist, part of the exhibition ‘What is Beauty?’ presented the project ‘There is a big river, in which there is a big island, in which there is a lake, in which there is an island, in which there is a small house, where a life is growing in a womb’. Through this work András investigated the relationship between individuals and the environment surrounding them, and how individual actions are connected with and influenced by the collective. As the title points out by naming the river and the lake, but also the womb and human liquids, water is at the core of András practice — a fundamental theme from which he investigates the complex relationship humans build with themselves, their own spirit and the environment. In this project, bodies are depicted as flesh in which lie both human vulnerability and determination, offering a glimpse into the soul within always interconnected with the surrounding.
1. What is your favorite memory of the PhotoVogue Festival 2023?
I would have a hard time to pick one favorite moment… I was fascinated by Charlie Engman’s presentation. Meeting the entire Vogue team in person was a highlight, as was connecting with the entire community. There was also a moment when I locked myself in my apartment, waiting for a stranger to walk by, convincing her to help me. Last but not least, I had an amazing dinner with Bruno Ceschel. The list goes on, including meeting old friends in Milan, which is always something I can t wait for.
2. You said that your work wants to show the interconnectedness that lies within our lives and influences our existence. The subjects in your photographs stand alone, though they are united by the way you saw and photographed them. Could you share a couple of stories behind these images?
Most stories are quite similar, I think. I meet new people and get to know them over time. When we share a mutual desire to capture images, it happens organically. Everyone in my project has their own stories, like being an open water swimmer and practicing this sport on a sunny winter day in a freezing lake—highly challenging. Personally, I can’t even move in that cold water, and it reflects on someone s inner power and healing rituals. Being close to ourselves and willing to face it has always fascinated me. Whether it s being open about our insecurities and somehow representing that through a photograph, I find it deeply meaningful. It s about capturing various emotions as well. Behind the scenes of this work, loved ones have been lost, and new friends have been born, and I strive to get as close as possible to these experiences.
3. You portray subjects/bodies naked who show their strength yet are vulnerable, exposed to your gaze. How do you establish this grade of intimacy in your work?
In my opinion, it s about the time it takes. I am in a slow process of capturing images, and even reaching the point of asking someone to participate in a photoshoot can be challenging for me. However, when it does happen, I develop a deep trust with my subjects, and they can feel it, leading to a shared sense of trust. Without this connection, the shoot may not be successful. But when we achieve this connectedness, special moments happen, and that s what makes me the happiest.
4. Is there an upcoming project you are working on?
I am currently working on two moving image projects inspired by specific rituals. I have applied for a residency this year, so my fingers are crossed. I am still working on my upcoming book and there are a couple longterm work on the table as well.
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