Michal Luczak: Extraction

Silesian photographer and Prix pictet shortlisted artist Michal Luczak's latest series 'Extraction' explores the mining industry and the consequences of resource extraction on humans and its environment. In this episode, Luczak shares the story behind his black and white series featured in the Prix Pictet 'Human' exhibition, delving into the ethical dimension of mining in his native land, using art as a mean of social commentary.  

Mexican photographer Yael Martínez' work addresses fractured communities in his native country, creating images that often reflect the sense of emptiness, absence, pain and suffering of those afflicted by  organised crime.   In this episode, Martinez shares with us his deeply personal photographic journey and the impact of drug cartels on the indigenous communities.

Acclaimed for his thought provoking and intimate portraits that explore themes of identity, intimacy and the complexities of human relationships, Renaldi's latest body of work mixes portraits of men and landscapes in striking diptychs inspired by George Perkins Marsh coined term 'Nature's harmonies'. In this episode, Renaldi shares with us his photographic journey and how his series 'Disturbed Harmonies' came to live as he received the nomination for Prix Pictet's Human cycle.

For over 40 years, Ragnar Axelsson, shortlisted photographer for Human, has been photographing the remote Arctic regions, including Iceland, Siberia, and Greenland. His lens documents how climate change is profoundly altering the lives of Arctic people and their environment. The Arctic is experiencing rapid change—melting sea ice, receding glaciers, and the abandonment of Inuit hunting villages. Ancient traditions are disappearing. Ragnar's mission is to preserve this history through his photography. In our latest Prix Pictet episode, Ragnar Axelsson shares his unique perspective on the Arctic, its people, and their struggle against global warming. Join us as he gives voice to those living in the Arctic and highlights the need to address climate change. 

Our new podcast series on the theme human features shorlisted photographer Federico Ríos Escobar, who aims to shed light on the often overlooked stories from his own country, emphasising the importance of caring for others. His focus is on capturing the causes of migration and the challenges faced by immigrants as they navigate the treacherous Darién Gap. The Darién Gap, once an untouched rainforest, became a congested pathway for migrants on the border between Colombia and Panama. The photographer expresses a desire to give a human face to the immigrants, emphasising that they are risking everything for the bare necessities of life.

Italian photographer Yvonne de Rosa joins us in this episode to discuss her incredible series, ‘Inquisita’ - one of her images featured on the cover of our latest publication Collage. The rape trial endured by Baroque artist Artemisia Gentileschi in the 17th Century was the inspiration behind her series, which captures young inmates from a juvenile detention center.

Today, we're delighted to welcome urban landscape photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg who shares with us the secrets of the Silver Birch, an exceptional tree revered for its resilience to pollution and extreme temperatures. Featured in our latest publication Collage, she explores the captivating tree in her series Silver Forest, and discusses the idea that nature is a welcome respite from the chaos of city life.

We are honoured to be joined by acclaimed London-based Prix Pictet nominated photographer Julia Fullerton Batten, who explores the different facets of women through her lens, often inspired by episodes of her own life. Featured in our latest publication Collage, we delve into the behind-the-scenes of her series 'Contortions', giving us a glimpse of her highly-creative productions.  

What is the impact of images on mental health? Prix Pictet British-Ganaian photographer Heather Agyepong joins us in this episode to discuss culture representation in the media and its impact on mental health. Featured in our latest publication Collage, Heather's performance and photography is layered with symbolism to illicit a conversation about the boundaries of how we see ourselves both in real and imagined realities.   

Prix Pictet Brazilian photographer Claudia Jaguaribe joins us in this episode to discuss the paradoxes of her native city, Rio de Janeiro, in her photography. Featured in our latest publication Collage, Claudia’s images represent a fragile yet resilient nature seeking to survive in inhospitable environments.