While growing up, our society has often taught us to hide our emotions, especially when one is troubled or sad. We are asked to highlight only the joyous parts of our lives, such as a new job, car, marriage, and so on. But when it comes to challenging emotions, such as rage, anxiety, or depression, these emotions are asked to be veiled from prying eyes. But why? Because showing a forlorn side can have consequences. Whether it is your personal relationship or a professional one, sharing how you feel can be seen as a sign of weakness. Ask boomers; they have endured this for ages, and some may even expect to do so today. However, the newer generation has begun to see the cracks in our society and hopes to change this one rebellion at a time. A new photo book by Andras Ladocsi is an example of just that, as he makes us question the norms of society.
All images are courtesy of the artist and Void. Used with permission.
The book’s title is pretty long, and it can be summed up as a beginning of a story. Titled There is a Big River, in Which There is a Big Island, in Which There is a Lake, in Which There is an Island, in Which There is a Small House, Where a Life is Growing in a Womb, the book highlights the relationship between us and our environment. Born in 1992, Andras Ladocsi, with the help of a diverse cast of friends and relatives, utilizes various bodies to highlight emotions. The images are captured unconventionally, breaking all the rules of photography to portray people entwined, contorted, cropped, or at repose and still. But despite the close-ups, cropped frames, and a sense of confusion, Ladocsi’s work is compelling, urging us to ponder over the frames.
In Hungary, we grew up with a generational anxiety about how a man can’t connect to the world through his emotions, and I want to change this. While I celebrate the skin, body, friendship, trust, and life in general—with all its ups and downs—‘There is a Big River, in Which There is a Big Island, in Which There is a Lake, in Which There is an Island, in Which There is a Small House, Where a Life is Growing in a Womb’ is my first step toward articulating how I believe we are connected.
Andras Ladocsi
Ladocsi has been competing in swimming for the past 14 years and understands movements and physicality better than anyone. This helped him when he began working on There is a River, when he asked his friends to pose for him. Each individual represents themselves and their emotions, something born out of Ladocsi ‘s interest in them. The pictures, thus, not only depict how these people see themselves but also the relationship they share with the photographer. To advance the story, he photographed people across Australia, France, Hungary, the UK, and the US for six years.
Through my work, I want to bring to light the intensity and resilience of the human spirit, captured in the moments where we are pushing our bodies and minds to reach our highest potential. Ultimately, my work is a celebration of life and the interconnectivity of our shared existence.
Andras Ladocsi
However, in addition to people, another element that binds his book together is the use of water. As the title suggests, the book uses this fluid element to showcase our shifting emotions and our relationship with nature. Andras Ladocsi also let go of a formal narrative this time, purely to focus on the movement of the bodies, nature, and their emotions. Upon picking up the publication, you will be struck by the truth and authenticity of his photography, and how his subjects invite you to engage in this silent conversation.
The book is available on Void Photos’ website,