josef chladek

on photobooks and books

Fabian Zapatka - Perspectives Part 1, Distance Over Time, 2015, Berlin

Hardcover, handbound, numbered and signed by the artist, edition of 300 copies, design by James Mckinnn, text by Manfred Naescher.

„Fabian Zapatka is a photographer of the everyday. Through the pictures of this series we are allowed a glimpse into the daily routine of basic research in a laboratory for animal testing, a type of work that is part of the everyday in research labs in Germany and globally. The images present us with perspectives that are deeply ambivalent: A pig is lying in a supine position on an operating table, covered by a warmed blanket to prevent hypothermia, surrounded by medical equipment. There is a strong familiarity to the situation, it is a strikingly human image. The aim of the research that is taking place in this lab and others like it is to find ways to extend the life of patients confronted with imminent death. By means of photography we - as the viewers - can take part in learning processes with a deadly outcome.

The series of photographs in this book was created during six months of continual visits to the laboratory. Zapatka’s engagement with his photographic subjects over this period of time resulted in images that speak of both proximity and ambivalence. There is a fluidity to the boundary between animal and human. There is Zapatka’s obvious and deep appreciation of his subjects, with a stance that remains free of judgement. His perspective is personal, yet his images speak a universal language.

Fabian Zapatka (1978, Stuttgart) lives and works in Berlin. He spent the majority of his childhood in Munich. At 17 he dropped out of school and moved to Berlin. He first worked as an actor in film and television, before embarking on a second career as a photographer. His pictures have been published in german and international magazines; selected clients are SZ-Magazin, die Zeit, der Stern, Brandeins, Le Point, Qvest, Intersection and Spex.“

Order at Distance over Time.

Pages: 48
Place: Berlin
Year: 2015
Publisher: Distance Over Time
Size: 30 x 21 cm (approx.)