Does This Happen to Everyone? by Jan von Holleben

Looking back at my most recent major project, The Amazing Analogue, which I was commissioned for the Brighton Photo Biennial 2014 in conjunction with Hove Museum, I feel that I was able to construct a photographic game, which we can all play together. And it surely takes a few skills in clever management, networking and funding to make it all go round. They are not only kids, but also a good number of open-minded adults. It takes a lot of research, testing and failing to do what I do with my team and all the people I play with. Obviously it is not as easy as it sounds. All this is my credo and this is what I practice: nothing is impossible in my worlds.

When all this happens, then I have won too and can proceed to the next issue. The latter seems most interesting, as viewers are given yet another riddle or game to play with, which is so neatly constructed that it can be easily won by the target audience.

Once it is won, we have to find a way to translate that into some kind of reality (in my case a photograph) and there we go: we have a solution to offer – sometimes practical but mostly abstract and fun. Once you accept the rules and visions, everything becomes possible and no problem lasts for long – at least within the limitations of the game. With that approach, even the most difficult subject matter becomes just a game to play in my or our mindset. I have managed to build a solid career as photographer on the basis of playing and conceptualizing games all day for a vast variety of issues, clients and things. To me this is the greatest inspiration that only a few grown people in the world can give me and nearly every young person seems to be able to deliver such energy, free of charge and without hesitation. All that is sacred stems from youth: dedication, naivety and honesty. Kids and youth have an overall energy that is beyond that of any adult. Doing this on a regular basis and making it your profession makes you feel somewhat invincible, like a character in a game with unlimited lives.įor many years, I have involved kids in the process of my work, teaching them a few things that I know and understand, showing them possibilities, pushing their creativity and in return I learn what life could potentially be – if it was not for society’s urge for law and order. Over the last 15 years, kids have been central to my practice.

Does This Happen to Everyone? by Jan von Holleben