TITLE: Manhood

What is manhood?

Traditionally associated with strength, agency, courage, and responsibility, today it's shifting toward authenticity, empathy, and the ability to care for loved ones. The traditional model of masculinity emphasized traits such as dominance, physical strength, resourcefulness, emotional reserve, and sometimes even prestige. Today, responsibility, commitment to relationships, respect, emotional intelligence, and the ability to admit and apologize for mistakes are taking center stage. Fortunately, in my opinion, a man can also show weakness (and even shed tears), but above all, he should recognize and communicate with his own and others' feelings. Have passions and a internal life. He should stand in the sometimes difficult truth and not fall into the once-conceived stereotypes of "tough guy" or "macho." Physical strength, material possessions, or other manifestations of "so-called power" certainly don't hinder, but masculinity today has a completely different, more authentic and empathetic face. It doesn't have to be in opposition to femininity, but it should harmonize well with it.

The project was carried out in Warsaw, at the turn of 2024 and 2025. Renowned Polish actor Andrzej Chyra lent his talent and image. Digital photography was used, along with analog photography for the first and two last photos of the project, as a unique connection to tradition.

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.