ABOUT
In his series “Coastal: A Slow Journey along the Coastline of Australia & New Zealand,” Bronek Kozka takes viewers on an intimate exploration of the serene and often rugged coastal landscapes. This work is an invitation to experience the profound beauty and tranquility of the coastal environment, emphasizing a slow and meditative approach to image-making.
Kozka’s method involves a contemplative engagement with the landscape, allowing the natural elements to reveal themselves through a series of layered exposures. This technique not only captures the physical aspects of the scene but also the transient and ethereal qualities that define these coastal areas. Each image reflects Kozka’s deep connection with the environment, embodying the rhythm of the waves, the sand’s movement, and the coast’s shifting light.
His work in “Coastal” transcends mere documentation, offering a visual narrative that speaks to the enduring relationship between humans and nature. By immersing himself in the environment, Kozka creates images that are not just seen but felt, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on their own connections to the natural world. This series is a testament to the power of slow observation and the profound insights it can bring about our shared ecological heritage.
“Spiky Beach No.2.1 (detail)”: This piece captures the tumultuous beauty of Spiky Beach in Tasmania. Standing in the cold water, with the wind blowing and the ocean’s raw power all around me, I channel these sensations into the image through the process of multiple exposures. This technique allows me to blend traditional photographic methods with digital innovations, creating immersive visual experiences that deepen our connection to nature.
“Whispers and Fury” came to life on the stretch of coast between Bronte and Bondi. Although it fits within the scope of my usual work, an ‘origin’ image created and completed at the site of capture, in this case, the reflection panels — the ones flanking the central image — are inspired by message I received from a friend, who has been going through some tough times. They finding some solace in long walks by the sea and into the woods, “Whispers and Fury” is a gift to them.
In my latest series, I explore the extension of my studio work, beginning with capturing an image’s essence on-site. This process transcends mere documentation, aiming to encapsulate each moment’s tangible and intangible qualities. Inspired by traditional Chinese shanshui painting, I treat each image as a canvas that intertwines sensory and spiritual impressions of the natural world.
Adobe’s Photoshop Generative Fill, powered by Sensei AI, plays a pivotal role. This tool extends and enriches the visual narrative, maintaining the original composition’s integrity while introducing new layers of meaning. The AI conducts a deep image analysis, discerning textures, colours, and patterns with remarkable precision. It then seamlessly integrates new content that resonates with the original scene, enhancing the visual narrative.
This iterative dialogue between the artist and AI involves cycles of application, evaluation, and adjustment, enhancing creative output and mastery over the tool. By integrating these capabilities, artists can explore new creative realms, blending traditional and digital art forms. This approach invites reflective engagement with themes of memory, perception, and the interaction between the tangible and ethereal, offering a transformative experience that bridges past and future.
2023 Mountain Water (Shanshui): walking the Annapurna Track, Pingyao International Festival, Pingyao China
2022 The Imperfect Beauty of the Sublime, ACAE Gallery Australia
2020 Understanding Wilson, (part of the Eyes on Main Street Festival,
2019 Mediated by the Digital Lens – BaoHe Festival Hefei, China
2016 “Remembering what never happened”, (solo) MARS Gallery, Melbourne, Australia
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2022 Eyes on Main Street Festival (Group show – outdoors)
2022 The working photographer, Pingyao International Festival, Pingyao China (Group show – outdoors)
2022 Photography and Education, Pingyao International Festival, Pingyao China (Group show – outdoors)
2021 Eyes on Main Street Festival (Group show – outdoors)
2019 The Model Citizen
