Acerca del libro
„Ostrava“ is a project about an industrial town and surroundings of what used to be known as Czechoslovakia for several decades of communist rule. After the illusory promises of prosperity by the communist regime, it witnessed a dramatic decline that translated into degradation of urban and rural areas, as much as into the often unspoken resentment of the Ostravans towards the oppressive system.
The remnants of the past that had gone wrong still lie scattered across the newly built grounds. There has not been an absolute change, but a transformation which bears the traceable residue of the past, silently standing upright at present time.
“Ostrava” is a journey through newly verdant forests crisscrossed by green-coloured pipelines, through rural and urban spaces often laden with rubble and hips of materials, and is often unclear whether construction or demolition is taking place.
Características y detalles
- Categoría principal: Libros de arte y fotografía
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Características: Apaisado grande, 33×28 cm
N.º de páginas: 68 - Fecha de publicación: jul. 15, 2009
- Palabras clave , Michal Honkys Ostrava Czechoslovakia Czech Environment Communist Eastern Europe past
Acerca del creador
Born in Frydek-Mistek in what used to be Czechoslovakia. Last ten years or so travelling the world and studying photography (BA, MA at the moment) in London. My project Ostrava, exploring the remnants of the communist past mixed up with the new democratic principles and my own memories of my homeland, won a Nikon Discovery Awards in 2007 and was exhibited in Photographers Gallery London. I have used funds from Nikon to complete a project on Kazakhstan's dealing with its past, presence and "bright" future. The project will be available in a book form soon. The proposal for the book already won a honorable mention and third place in public vote at PX3 Competition in Paris recently. Currently working on environmental based projects around where I stay, in London and partly around the UK with a hope to inspire myself and the others. I do not want to be only part of the problem, but rather a part of the solution:-)