The Urbanaut Podcast

🎙️ Welcome to Episode #66 of The Urbanaut Podcast!Presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com, this episode features the brilliant Adam Friedberg, a New York-based photographer known for his deeply observational work capturing urban spaces, architectural elements, and the changing cityscape.About Our Guest: Adam FriedbergAdam Friedberg’s photography explores the intersection of architecture, space, and absence, often focusing on overlooked environments like empty lots, single-story buildings, and hidden urban details. His career spans from assisting top commercial photographers in the 90s to becoming a highly regarded artist with a distinct voice in architectural and documentary photography. Friedberg’s work balances technical precision with a meditative approach to image-making, inviting viewers to reconsider their surroundings.Tune in to this episode to:- Discover how a Tibetan monk's advice set Adam on his creative journey.- Hear the wild story of how he crashed a fashion photography studio and landed his first job.- Explore the philosophy behind his work—why he focuses on "a thing or not a thing".- Learn about his major projects, including Empty Lots, Single Story, and Urban Jungle.- Gain insights into photography as a trade vs. art form, the evolution of New York, and the tension between commercial and personal work.OUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Up…1:01 - Introduction & Guest Background2:59 - Academia, Philosophy, and the CIA Connection6:30 - The Tibetan Monk’s Advice That Changed Everything7:20 - Accidental Entry into Photography9:27 - Learning Photography Through Immersion12:22 - The Reality of Assisting in High-End Fashion Photography16:00 - The Grueling Pace of Commercial Photography in the 90s29:03 - The Shift from Fashion to Personal Work32:06 - Finding a New Direction in Architectural Photography49:14 - The Concept of “A Thing or Not a Thing” in Photography51:19 - Major Photography Projects & The Evolution of His Work57:14 - The Influence of Books and Prints on Photography1:11:52 - The Role of Imperfection & Photography as a Trade vs. Art Form1:15:02 - The Challenge of Documenting a Changing City1:19:24 - Why He Refuses to Crop His Photos1:41:13 - Final Thoughts & The Nature of SeeingDon't forget to:- Subscribe to our channel for more conversations with artists and photographers.- Like & Share this episode if you enjoy deep-dive discussions on photography and creative practice.- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.EPISODE LINKS:Adam Friedberg’s Work: www.adamfriedberg.com | Instagram: @adam_friedbergSOCIALS: Twitter: @UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: @TheUrbanautPodcast Support us on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcastHashtags:#AdamFriedberg #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #UrbanPhotography #Architecture #NewYork #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #PhotographyPodcast #VisualNarrative #Cityscapes

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #65 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com!In this captivating episode, we sit down with the legendary Finnish-British photographer Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, whose work has profoundly shaped documentary photography in Britain. From her groundbreaking project Byker, capturing a working-class community in Newcastle, to her poetic exploration of life on the North East beaches in Writing in the Sand, Konttinen’s career spans over five decades of deeply human storytelling.About Our Guest: Sirkka-Liisa KonttinenSirkka-Liisa Konttinen is a photographer and filmmaker, co-founder of the Amber Film & Photography Collective, and an MBE awardee for her contributions to photography. Her work is held in prestigious collections, including the Tate, National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), and the UK Memory of the World Register.Konttinen’s practice is deeply embedded in the communities she documents, often spanning decades. She first moved to Newcastle in 1969, where she produced Byker, a seminal documentary of a disappearing way of life. She later revisited the area for Byker Revisited, capturing the changes in the community and its people. Her work is not just about capturing moments; it’s about relationships, memory, and the evolution of place.Tune in to this episode to:- Follow Sirkka-Liisa’s journey from Finland to Britain and into the world of photography.- Learn how she co-founded Amber Collective and their philosophy of creative independence.- Explore her Byker and Byker Revisited projects—how she lived among her subjects and documented their lives over decades.- Discover how her photographs turned into films, including Writing in the Sand and Today I’m With You.- Hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories, including the mystery grandma and the barber who rejected his own portrait.Don't forget to:- Subscribe to our channel for more deep dives into the world of photography and art.- Like & share this episode to spread the stories of documentary photography.- Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive interviews.OUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Soon…1:50 - Early Life in Finland & First Encounters with Photography5:09 - The Chocolate Bar Hustle: Buying Her First Enlarger7:41 - Studying in London & Discovering Documentary Film11:19 - Why Documentary? Photography as a Time Capsule14:07 - Meeting Murray Martin & Founding the Amber Collective15:06 - Living on £8 a Week: The Amber Collective’s Philosophy28:12 - Newcastle’s Beaches: The Birth of a 20-Year Project31:39 - The Mystery Grandma: A Photograph with Many Claimants35:57 - Photography as Performance: Camouflaging with a Bikini38:07 - The Writing in the Sand: From Photographs to Film39:06 - The Cinematic Nature of Photography49:22 - Returning to Negatives: Finding Hidden Gems57:55 - Byker: A Community on the Brink of Change1:15:45 - The Barber Who Rejected His Own Portrait1:22:47 - The Byker Book: A Local Treasure1:26:59 - Reflections on a Life in Documentary Photography1:33:37 - Losing the Studio: The Break-In That Changed Her Approach1:37:05 - The Abandoned Piano Girl & A Lasting Connection1:40:32 - The Impact of Community Photography: Still Here, Byker1:54:00 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Sirkka’s WorkSOCIAL LINKS:Amber Collective & Films: amber-online.comSirkka-Liisa’s Work & Books: Dewi Lewis PublishingWatch Amber’s Films (Including Writing in the Sand): VimeoFollow The Urbanaut Podcast: Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support us on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast#SirkkaLiisaKonttinen #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #AmberCollective #Byker #WritingInTheSand #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Episode #64 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.In this compelling episode, we sit down with Maltese artist and design architect Nigel Baldacchino, whose work spans photography, architecture, poetry, and experimental music. Nigel's unique artistic approach blends deep philosophical inquiry with intuitive photographic practice, resulting in visually and conceptually rich projects. From exploring themes of anxiety and perception to discussing his international exhibitions, this episode offers an insightful look into Nigel’s creative world.About Our Guest: Nigel BaldacchinoNigel Baldacchino (b. 1989, Malta) is an artist and design architect known for his diverse creative output. His photo-text publication Soon Out of Context (2019) combined poetry with found imagery, while his experimental ambient project Pool Night (2021) introduced his sonic explorations under Belgian label Complex Holiday. In 2023, he was part of the prestigious Penumbra Foundation Long-Term Photobook Program, and in 2024, he served as exhibition designer for the first edition of MaltaBiennale.Art. His photography has been exhibited internationally, including at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse, alongside artists such as Raymond Meeks, Awoiska van der Molen, Bénédicte Blondeau, and Bernard Plossu.Tune in to this episode to:- Explore Nigel’s transition from architecture to photography and how it shaped his artistic voice.- Learn how anxiety fuels his creative process and his thoughts on the connection between mental health and art.- Discover the story behind "Those Eyes, These Eyes, They Fade," a traveling exhibition he co-founded.- Unpack his photographic series "The Sea" and its themes of contradiction and perception.- Hear the fascinating history behind "Pineto," his project documenting a forgotten Maltese park before its erasure.- Get a glimpse into his upcoming solo exhibition in South Korea and what’s next in his career.Don’t Forget to:- Subscribe to the podcast for more deep dives into contemporary photography and creative expression.- Like & Share this episode to support independent artists.- Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.EPISODE LINKS:Nigel Baldacchino’s Website: nigelbaldacchino.com | Nigel’s Instagram: @nigelbaldacchinoOUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Up…1:48 - Welcome & Introduction3:40 - From Architecture to Photography5:05 - Founding Those Eyes, These Eyes, They Fade7:25 - Building Community in the Art World28:19 - The Impact of Mentors & Influences31:29 - How Anxiety Fuels Creativity41:50 - Nigel’s Free-Flowing Approach to Photography58:45 - The Poetic Nature of Nigel’s Photography1:05:35 - Exploring Contradictions in The Sea1:27:29 - Using a 500mm Lens to Capture Hidden Stories1:32:46 - The Erasure of History in Malta’s Pineto Park1:37:10 - First Solo Exhibition in Korea1:38:20 - New Work: Promise Litter1:47:56 - The Role of Text in Photography1:51:48 - Closing Thoughts & Future ProjectsSOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter/X: /UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast#NigelBaldacchino #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #FineArtPhotography #Architecture #AnxietyAndArt #PhotoBooks #CreativeProcess #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #63 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with the brilliant David Campany, an influential curator, writer, editor, educator, and the Creative Director of the International Center of Photography, New York. Known for his deep insights into photography’s evolving role in contemporary culture, David’s work spans curation, academic writing, and photographic criticism.About Our Guest: David CampanyDavid Campany has worked with some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide, including Tate, MoMA, Centre Pompidou, ICP New York, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and The Photographer’s Gallery London. He has published extensively with Aperture, Steidl, MIT Press, Thames & Hudson, and Phaidon, and has written over 300 essays on photography. His recent curatorial projects include A Trillion Sunsets: A Century of Image Overload, Actual Size! Photography at Life Scale, and the William Klein retrospective Yes at ICP.In this episode, we take a deep dive into photography’s role in visual culture, its relationship with power, and the philosophical questions surrounding its meaning.Tune in to this episode to:- Explore why photography resists a singular definition and how its meaning shifts over time.- Unpack the explosion of images in the digital age—are there really "too many photographs"?- Discuss AI’s role in reshaping visual culture—is AI "perfecting ideology"?- Hear about David’s journey into curation and his experience editing iconic photobooks.- Discover why ambiguity is crucial in art and photography, and how institutions often get it wrong.Don't forget to:- Subscribe for more in-depth conversations on photography, art, and visual culture.- Like & Share to spread the word about this insightful discussion.- Follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming guests.EPISODE LINKS:🔗 David’s Website: www.davidcampany.com📸 David’s Instagram: @davidcampanyOUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Up…2:09 - Introduction & Setting the Stage4:28 - Who is David Campany?6:14 - Photography as an Open Concept8:25 - The Evolution of Photography in Visual Culture11:35 - The Power of Images & Image Manipulation13:38 - Are There Too Many Images in the World?23:12 - AI, Ideology, and the Future of Visual Culture31:44 - David Campany’s Origin Story36:38 - The First Published Photograph & Early Recognition46:53 - Transitioning into Curation1:05:47 - Actual Size: Photography at Life Scale1:18:51 - Ambiguity in Photography & Art1:24:47 - The Role of Writing in Understanding Photography1:29:25 - Photobooks and the Art of Editing1:36:21 - Closing Reflections & Final Thoughts1:40:54 - The Shifting Role of Museums and Institutions1:44:39 - Teaching Photography and Changing Student Perspectives1:49:21 - The Intersection of Photography and Cinema1:52:49 - Why Photographic Meaning is Never Fixed1:56:29 - The Final Take: What Makes Photography Timeless?SOCIAL:🐦 Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast📘 Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast📷 Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast💡 Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast🎧 #DavidCampany #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #VisualCulture #CuratingPhotography #AIinPhotography #ArtandAmbiguity #PhotographyTheory #urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #62 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com.In this captivating episode, we sit down with Aleksey Kondratyev, an artist-photographer whose work explores the intersections of globalization, labor, and identity. From the frozen landscapes of Kazakhstan’s ice fishers to the hidden labor force of American construction workers, Aleksey’s photography brings attention to unseen worlds.About Our Guest: Aleksey KondratyevBorn in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and later immigrating to Detroit, Aleksey’s work is shaped by his personal history of migration and cultural hybridity. He holds an MFA from UCLA and has exhibited internationally at venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art Rome, the Benaki Museum in Athens, and the Berlin Center for Contemporary Art. His projects, including Ice Fishers, Auto, and Worker, have been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Financial Times.Tune in to this episode to:- Explore Aleksey’s journey in photography and how he found his artistic voice.- Learn about the Ice Fishers project, which documents Kazakh fishers using discarded plastic materials as makeshift survival shelters.- Understand the economic and social dynamics behind the global trade of used cars in the Auto project.- Discuss the invisible workforce behind modern cities in his Worker series.- Hear insights on balancing research and intuition in creative work.Don't forget to:- Subscribe to our channel for more episodes diving into the world of art and photography.- Like & Share this episode to support independent photography storytelling.- Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.EPISODE LINKSWebsite: alekseykondratyev.com | Instagram: @aleksey.kondratyevOUTLINE:0:00 - Coming Up..2:21 - Introduction to Aleksey Kondratyev25:37 - Discovering the Ice Fishers project28:30 - The extreme conditions of ice fishing1:13:28 - Transition to Auto: A personal connection1:15:26 - The global trade of wrecked cars1:31:19 - The Worker series: Capturing invisible labor1:33:40 - The role of anonymity in photography1:24:11 - The future of auto shops & changing labor markets1:54:55 - Trusting intuition over research1:53:41 - Final thoughts & advice for young photographersSOCIAL LINKS:🔹 Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast🔹 Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast🔹 Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast🔹 Support us on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #AlekseyKondratyev #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #CentralAsia #PostSovietIdentity #LaborPhotography #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #61 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this compelling episode, we delve into the nuanced world of Italian photographer Pierfrancesco Celada. His extensive work offers a chronological exploration of his photography, from his doctoral research in biomechanics to his impactful long-term projects documenting urban life in cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo.About Our Guest: Pierfrancesco Celada Pierfrancesco Celada's work poignantly captures the essence of metropolitan living and its impact on individual and collective consciousness. Known for his incisive use of visual metaphors, Celada's projects like "When I feel down I take the train," and "Instagram Pier," explore themes of isolation, connectivity, and the personal vs. public spheres in urban environments. His photographs have been showcased in major venues such as Les Rencontres d’Arles and the Nobel Peace Center, reflecting his critical acclaim in the field. Dive deeper into his work at www.pierfrancescocelada.com and follow his visual journey on Instagram: @fotografante.Tune in to this episode to:Traverse Pierfrancesco's photographic career, from its inception in the scientific field to the extensive urban studies in his latest projects.Unpack the narratives and artistic processes behind his major works.Understand the influence of rapid urbanization and digital social spaces on contemporary life.Don't forget to:Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that delve into the art of photography.Like and share this episode to appreciate the complex interplay of urban environments and photographic expression.Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.EPISODE LINKS: Pierfrancesco's Contact: www.pierfrancescocelada.com Pierfrancesco’s Instagram: @fotografanteMuddy Island Books: https://muddyisland.bigcartel.com/OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up…1:27 - Introduction and Background19:32 - Creation of a Publishing House24:03 - Documenting Urban Isolation in Japan35:54 - Experiences Documenting Hong Kong Protests42:29 - Instagram Pier Project57:43 - Real Estate and Urban Dynamics1:06:38 - Cultural Phenomenon of Hikikomori1:17:15 - Ethical Considerations in Documentary Photography1:23:38 - Photographic Composition and Technique1:27:44 - Dynamic Use of Instagram Pier1:35:48 - Adapting to COVID-19 Restrictions1:43:57 - 'Walking Circles' Project1:51:53 - Advice to Aspiring Photographers1:54:40 - Conclusion and Engagement EncouragementSOCIAL:Twitter: /UrbanautPodcastFacebook: /TheUrbanautPodcastInstagram: /TheUrbanautPodcastSupport on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast#PierfrancescoCelada #TheUrbanautPodcast #UrbanPhotography #DocumentaryPhotography #VisualNarrative #ArtisticExploration #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #60 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this captivating episode, we sit down with renowned photographer Brian Rose, whose work has chronicled some of the most pivotal urban transformations of the past four decades. From the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the 1980sto the fall of the Berlin Wall and beyond, Brian’s photography is a powerful meditation on time, space, and history. About Our Guest: Brian Rose Born in Virginia, Brian moved to New York City in 1977 to study at Cooper Union, where he learned from legendary photographers Joel Meyerowitz and Larry Fink. His early work documenting the Lower East Side in the 1980s captured a city on the edge—chaotic, yet full of creative energy. Later, he embarked on a long-term project documenting the Iron Curtain and Berlin Wall, culminating in the critically acclaimed book The Lost Border. Brian’s photography has since spanned multiple cities and historical moments, from post-9/11 New York to the removal of Confederate statues in Richmond, Virginia. His images are held in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Tune in to this episode to: - Discover Brian's journey from student to one of urban photography’s most compelling voices. - Hear behind-the-scenes stories from photographing New York in the 1980s, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and post-9/11 Lower Manhattan. - Explore his latest project on NYC subway’s last stops and how the city’s outer boroughs tell a deeper story than its landmarks - Gain insight into self-publishing and how Brian successfully sold 1,000 copies of his book with no advertising campaign. - Learn why photography is about more than just capturing an image—it’s about documenting history. EPISODE LINKS: Brian Rose's Website: www.brianrose.com | Instagram: @brianrosenyc3 OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up... 2:11 – Welcome to the show! Brian’s background and introduction 5:59 – The story of secretly buying his first camera at 16 9:30 – The reversal of photography trends: color vs. black-and-white 13:04 – Inside My Own Color Lab, the photography hub of 1980s NYC 16:20 – Moving to NYC in 1977 and experiencing the NYC blackout 21:53 – Documenting the Lower East Side in 1980—a neighborhood at its rawest 23:40 – Photographing the Iron Curtain and Berlin Wall (1985) 32:17 – Witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) 39:09 – The role of photography in social movements 54:22 – Revisiting the Lower East Side after 9/11—capturing gentrification and transformation 1:07:06 – The “Last Stop” project: photographing the NYC subway’s final stations 1:25:27 – The debate: film vs. digital photography and evolving technology 1:34:43 – How Brian sold 1,000 books through self-publishing 1:42:20 – Why he refuses to dwell in nostalgia and continues to photograph the present 1:54:11 – Documenting cultural landscapes—Bangladeshi, Russian, and Orthodox Jewish communities in NYC 1:54:27 – Final reflections and advice for photographers: “Live in the present, photograph in the present.” Don't forget to: - Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth conversations on photography, art, and urban culture. - Like & share this episode to celebrate the rich visual storytelling of urban photography. - Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and future episodes! SOCIAL: Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #BrianRose #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #DocumentaryPhotography #UrbanPhotography #LowerEastSide #BerlinWall #NYCPhotography #SelfPublishing #PhotographyHistory #Urbanautica

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #59 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Spanish artist Juan Fabuel. Known for his multidisciplinary approach, Juan’s work blends photography, anthropology, and installation art to explore themes of time, memory, movement, and representativeness. About our Guest: Juan Fabuel’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in both intimate and societal structures. Utilizing mediums such as photography, video, ceramics, and installation, he creates compelling works that traverse disciplines like anthropology, ecology, and futures studies. Juan’s projects, including 14:24, Blood Remembering, and Becoming Exergy, challenge conventional boundaries of photography, inviting audiences into profound dialogues about identity, place, and the passage of time. Tune into this Episode To: Learn about Juan’s artistic evolution, from his early inspirations to his current multidisciplinary practice. Delve into the personal and universal themes in projects like Blood Remembering and 14:24. Explore the philosophical and technical processes behind his work with darkness, sound, and memory. Gain insights into the intersection of art and anthropology. Don't forget to: Subscribe to our channel for more episodes diving into the world of art, photography, and anthropology. Like and share this episode to celebrate Juan’s creative and thought-provoking journey. Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Episode Links: Juan’s Instagram: @juan_fabuelJuan’s Website: www.juanfabuel.com Outline: 0:00 - Coming Up...0:48 - Welcome to Juan Fabuel2:41 - Juan’s multidisciplinary background and early inspirations4:34 - First memories of photography and learning from his grandfather7:18 - Grant project in Brazil combining photography and anthropology14:00 - Working with renowned artists and mentors23:32 - Life-changing feedback during studies at ICP45:30 - Completing his father’s dream in Blood Remembering56:46 - The creative use of darkness in 14:241:03:59 - Philosophical reflections on time and photography1:09:25 - A focus on breathing and political speech in Hold My Breath1:15:26 - Migration and human movement in 14:241:20:20 - Personal memory and lenticular images in Becoming Exergy1:45:00 - Audience interaction and impermanence in Blood Remembering1:52:56 - Reflections on migration and hope in 14:241:59:00 - Closing thoughts on agency and transformation through art Social: Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #JuanFabuel #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #Anthropology #ArtisticExploration #DarknessInArt #VisualStorytelling #Migration #Memory #MultidisciplinaryArt #Urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #58 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this insightful episode, we explore the intersections of art, science, and cultural identity with Daniel Kariko, a distinguished Professor of Fine Art Photography at East Carolina University. About Our Guest: Daniel Kariko Daniel Kariko's photography critically examines environmental, political, and cultural landscapes. His projects span from the war-torn Balkans to the rapidly eroding wetlands of Louisiana, capturing the profound changes within these environments. Kariko combines traditional photography with advanced imaging techniques, offering a unique perspective on the natural and built environments. Tune in to this episode to: - Discover the depth of Daniel's projects that document both the environmental degradation in Louisiana and the socio-political aftermath in Serbia. - Delve into his innovative use of scanning electron microscopy to portray suburban insect life, bridging the gap between art and scientific inquiry. - Hear Daniel's thoughts on the future of photography and its role in documenting and responding to global changes. Don't forget to: - Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that delve into the worlds of art, science, and cultural studies. - Like and share this episode to spread awareness about the environmental and cultural issues discussed. - Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content. OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up... 2:39 - Introduction and Early Inspirations: From Serbia to the U.S. 6:43 - First Darkroom Experience: A spark in the dark 14:42 - College Choices and Shift in Major: From engineering to art 24:53 -Artistic Influences: Shaping a minimalistic aesthetic 34:42 - Artificial Intelligence and Photography: Future impacts 40:28 - Ongoing Projects in Serbia: Merging personal history with social observation 49:02 - Social Commentary Through Art: Reflecting societal issues 57:26 - Cultural Identity and History: The Balkans' turbulent past 1:15:00 - Suburban Symbiosis Project: Art meets entomology 1:24:49 - Book Publication and Scientific Collaboration: Bridging disciplines 1:35:34 - Environmental Changes in Louisiana: Documenting ecological shifts 1:45:00 - Future of Photography and Art: Anticipating changes 1:55:27 - Reflections on Personal and Artistic Growth: A lifetime of insights 2:05:49 - Closing Thoughts and Look Ahead: The evolving nature of art and photography SOCIAL: Twitter: /TheUrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #DanielKariko #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #EnvironmentalArt #DocumentaryPhotography #ArtScience #Urbanautica

🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #57 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with the deeply reflective Portuguese artist-photographer Maria Oliveira. Her work bridges memory, place, and the human connection to nature, offering an intimate exploration of her artistic philosophy and process. About Our Guest: Maria Oliveira Maria Oliveira's work is rooted in her upbringing in a small, isolated village in northern Portugal, where silence and nature shaped her artistic voice. Her projects explore themes of memory, motherhood, connection to place, and the fragility of life. Maria's poetic perspective merges the visible and the intangible, creating works that are as introspective as they are universal. Through photography and writing, she examines transitions and the cycles of existence, reflecting a unique sensitivity to the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Tune in to this episode to: Discover Maria’s journey from poetry to photography and how writing remains integral to her creative process. Explore her projects, from revisiting her childhood home to working with her mother and capturing the fragility of salt fields. Gain insights into Maria’s artistic philosophy, which emphasizes freedom, intuition, and connection to place. Delve into the themes of spirituality, feminine archetypes, and the role of silence in creativity. Don’t forget to: Subscribe to our channel for more episodes that explore the intersections of art, photography, and human connection. Like and share this episode to celebrate Maria’s poetic and reflective artistry. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Episode Links: Website: ⁠www.mariaoliveira.pt⁠ | Instagram: ⁠@___maria.oliveira⁠___ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Coming Up...2:30 - Introduction and Maria’s Background3:11 - Growing up in an isolated village and its influence6:54 - Starting with poetry as her first artistic expression8:44 - Transitioning to photography and discovering her medium9:44 - Writing as part of her creative process10:44 - Family influence and the absence of an artistic background13:17 - How silence and emptiness shaped her introspection and creativity27:39 - Poetry’s influence and connection to nature37:54 - Revisiting her childhood home and its impact on her work46:37 - Working with her mother and strengthening their bond1:04:54 - Freedom and intuition in her creative practice1:12:07 - The fragility of nature through the metaphor of salt fields1:32:20 - Spirituality, mysticism, and blending the practical with the poetic1:54:12 - Closing reflections on art, place, and Maria’s evolving projects SOCIAL: Twitter: /UrbanautPodcast Facebook: /TheUrbanautPodcast Instagram: /TheUrbanautPodcast Support on Patreon: /TheUrbanautPodcast #MariaOliveira #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #PortugueseArt #VisualPoetry #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #stevebisson #PatrickLeeHubbard