TITLE: Toxic Lake

Even shortly before the pandemic, winter swimming became the national "sport" of Poles. What's more, the (previously rather niche) status of the walrus has become a matter of good taste, especially among the so-called middle class. This was evident, for example, on social media, which was flooded with selfies of people standing in cold water. The pandemic period brought the belief that this activity could defeat the virus, which—especially when fitness clubs, sports fields, etc., were closed—caused crowds on the shores of many bodies of water, regardless of the time of day or even night. Many clubs for winter swimming have sprung up or expanded, a veritable "winter swimming industry" has emerged, and national "cold water gurus" and "walrus-friendly" hotels have emerged.

I've been winter swimming for several years now, most often in Czerniakowskie Lake in Warsaw's Sadyba district. This place is remarkable, among other things, for the massive chimneys that create the skyline

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.