TITLE: The Cage

Created in late 2025 in a dark, single-window room in Warsaw, the "Cage" project is a metaphor for the internal confinement within which—often despite appearances—a person finds themselves. Despite the dark aesthetic, however, we find optimism here—a path of sorts, along which—with inner strength or external support—we can take liberation from the limitations and fears usually rooted solely in the human mind. This path is by no means a bed of roses, yet... it exists. The universality of the message is underscored by the large number of models who participated in the project.

"The Cage I"

Paralyzed, locked up, and—often by choice—abandoned, a person seems condemned to nothingness. This is a not uncommon condition, well known to the project's author (...)

"The Cage II"

Awareness is born, and with it, hope. This moment sometimes arises from internal resources, but usually it comes from outside: from friends, if any, or specialists (psychologists, psychiatrists) who hold the compass to freedom and can share this knowledge.

"The Cage III"

Awareness is key, but it is through it that action is possible. It takes strength to move along the path to the light, and that path is very, very difficult.

"The Cage IV"

This path is difficult and bumpy, although even initial successes often bring almost euphoric states.

"The Cage V"

Fear of a new, unfamiliar feeling of freedom can sometimes be paralyzing. We often retreat into a zone of apparent comfort (...)

"The Cage VI"

The final frame is a call to help others by those who have already walked their own path but haven't forgotten about "Cage."

AUTHOR: Radek von Hirschberg (Poland)

“Photography connects the world of facts with the universe of emotions. It reconciles the mind with the soul, and through it, I follow the path of continuous development. Per aspera ad Astra (…)”. – Radek von Hirschberg

Radek’s photography has a universal quality, with a distinct focus on people, understood in an exceptionally broad sense. His open-minded approach allows him to blend various forms within this artistic field, for example, by creating narrative portraits or nudes in different worlds and dimensions. Occasionally, he delves into landscapes and saute architecture. He tells stories, describes emotions and sometimes is solely interested in form.

He works both digitally and analog (including, among others, his favorite Nikon FM2 and Pentax 645NII). At times, he combines modern cameras with vintage lenses, (including, for example, his beloved replica of the 19th-century Petzval lens). He is an enthusiast of natural light but occasionally combines multiple types of light. Follow his rapidly expanding portfolio – it’s worth it.

Radek’s lens captures a diverse array of subjects, including movie stars, models, and public figures, as well as ordinary individuals who often become… extraordinary. He photographs in modern spaces, as well as in the ruins of castles or abandoned factories. He loves to juxtapose opposites, which is wonderfully reflected in his series Desolate Beauty. Occasionally, he also works in the studio. He expresses himself in both black and white but does not shy away from a full color palette. His embrace of diversity reflects an open mind and is an expression of his creative freedom.

His works have been awarded, published and exhibited in Poland and abroad. They can also be found in institutional and private collections. He collaborates with international modeling agencies in fashion photography. His photographs are exhibited in domestic and foreign galleries and are part of numerous auctions. They are officially listed on the Polish and European markets (Art Info, ArtPrice).

As Lennon supposedly said: “Tell yourself you have the talent, then believe in it”. Radek, as he says, wears “rose-colored Lennon glasses” when photographing. And he tells himself that what he does may appeal to others, and may even momentarily captivate them. And if he’s wrong – he does it anyway“. Per aspera ad Astra (…) is both his credo and modus vivendi.