In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, Ephemere presents a conversation with Belgian photographer Andrei Barbos about his 2024 book Silent Distances. In this interview by Kevin Baylon, Andrei candidly shares his mental health journey and explains how photography informed his book as well as helped him cope in his ongoing struggle with derealization. By attempting to “bridge this disorienting gap” created by his condition, Andrei transforms illness into a compelling body of work that attests to the healing potential found in photography.

To celebrate the release of her upcoming book: Farewell to the Humble Tailor, Judith Hornbogen, sat down with writer, Sophie Gray, to discuss her motivations behind the making of this deeply personal project. Spurred on by a culmination of personal loss and farewells, Judith set out on a physical and metaphorical journey of self-discovery, in an attempt to unpack the underlying emotions brought about by profound life change. In this in-depth conversation, Judith elaborates on her photographic approach, the decisions that have led to this point in her practice, and how her view on life and art have evolved over time.

As part of our bimonthly feature on women in photography, writer, Sophie Gray, sat down with Karla Hiraldo Voleau, a French-Dominican photographer whose work seeks to explore complex and intimate realities; from love and interpersonal relationships, to abortion rights in the Dominican Republic. In this interview, Hiraldo Voleau discusses her projects in more detail and offers an in-depth perspective on what it means to be a working artist, sharing valuable insights into both the positives and challenges of the industry. 

Mark Gill’s Ravens brings the haunting world of Masahisa Fukase to the screen, capturing the essence of the renowned photographer’s artistry and inner turmoil. Through meticulous research and an intuitive creative process, Gill immersed himself in Fukase’s Tokyo, working closely with Tadanobu Asano and Kumi Takiuchi to bring depth to their portrayals. With never-before-seen behind-the-scenes images taken by Gill himself, this feature written by Anne Murayama offers an intimate look at the making of Ravens, ahead of its highly anticipated Japan premiere on March 28th.

What Good is Fruit that is Not Sweet?, Young Kim's latest publication is an intimate and poignant portrait of his mother and her immigrant experiences. In this interview, Young discusses his changing relationship with his mother, shifting roles of care between generations, American Dream and fruit symbolism that serves as the backbone of the project.

In this in-depth interview, writer, Sophie Gray, connected with fellow UAL alumni, Flora Vever, to discuss her transformative project: ‘À Fleur de Peau’ (a French expression meaning to be ‘highly sensitive’, or ‘on edge’). Created as a reaction to ubiquitous imagery of female objectification in art, it quickly served as the impetus for a more thorough investigation on what it means to be ‘looked at’ and the often complex relationship women have with their bodies as a result of the internalised male gaze. Flora offered some insights into what inspires her creativity, the potential for change, and her hopes for the continuous development in her photographic practice.

In this interview, Renaud Castaing discusses the vision behind EDGE, a 25-year photographic project exploring the interplay between different cultures and moments in time. Speaking with Kevin Baylon, he reflects on the importance of juxtaposing images to create a universal narrative, blending intimacy with a thoughtful distance. Through his insights, Renaud reveals how EDGE transcends photography, offering a poetic meditation on human connection and cultural evolution.

In this interview by Martina Cantore, Alessandro Silverj discusses his unique approach to photography, where he explores themes of isolation, inner turmoil, and the uncertain future of humanity. His work often draws inspiration from dystopian literature, particularly J.G. Ballard, and focuses on capturing the relationship between mankind and nature's overwhelming forces.

In a series of three interviews with various stakeholders—a Fair Director, a Publisher, and an Author—at the upcoming Indonesia Photo Fair in Jakarta (Sep. 5-8), Anil Purohit invites their insights, thoughts, opinions, and plans around photography: its role and function, acceptance among masses, marketability as artwork, the art, craft and future of photo books, their role in storytelling, and photo fairs, their function and logistics among others.

Writer Anil Purohit steps into the minds of three distinct photographers as they reveal the stories behind their images. From Satomi Sugiyama's surreal storytelling to Colin Czerwinski's spontaneous captures and Marci Lindsay's pursuit of fleeting moments, each photographer shares their unique approach to the art of photography. Explore how they find inspiration and meaning in their work, and discover the images and photobooks that have left a lasting impact on their creative journeys.

In this compelling interview by Anil Purohit, Daniel Winslade explores the profound impact of Shenzhen on his work in Kingdom of Grain, including how the city’s dynamic environment and his own evolving sense of identity are interwoven in his visual and written narratives. The conversation provides a deep dive into how urban life and personal introspection converge in his exploration of fear, comfort, and the essence of modern existence.

In this insightful interview by Martina Cantore, Mirko Ostuni, Ilaria De Benedetto, and Alma Longo share the challenges they face as young Italian lens-based artists balancing artistic integrity with commercial pressures. They reflect on their journeys toward self-realization, discussing the complexities of developing a unique artistic identity while resisting the temptation to mimic established styles. Despite being labeled "amateurs," their commitment to authentic expression and passion for their craft are evident in their candid insights.

In this exclusive interview by Niklas Viola, photographer Mário Pires critiques Lisbon's unchecked urbanization through haunting black-and-white photography, primarily shot on an iPhone. Mario also discusses his intuitive approach and the international recognition of Bleak City, including its exhibition at ephemere.

Martina Cantore converses with photographer Viviana Bonura as she delves into the profound and intimate themes of her work, Born from Salt, exploring topics such as vulnerability, womanhood, and the mystical connection to her Sicilian homeland. Through a discussion filled with reflections on philosophy, magic, and the essence of the body, Bonura reveals the depth and conviction behind her artistry.

In this exclusive interview, contributing writer Geng Hui Tan delves into Frederic George Pauwels' Whispers, exploring the inspirations behind his captivating photography series. Discover how Frederic's unique lens captures the subtle beauty of everyday moments, blending personal narratives with breathtaking landscapes.

In this interview, César Vásquez Altamirano, the talented photographer behind Beyond Inside, shares his artistic journey from Lima to London, revealing how the city's dynamic culture has shaped his unique perspective. Conducted by ephemere.’s curator-editor Anne Murayama, the interview delves into César's fascination with capturing the essence of trees and the therapeutic nature of monochrome photography.

In this insightful interview, Oliver Woodall, the photographer behind New Light, chats with our curator-editor Anne Murayama to discuss his latest projects and inspirations. Woodall delves into the challenges and triumphs of his creative process, shedding light on the intersection of personal experience and broader societal issues that shape his work.