Suicidal Birds by Sebastian Rogowski
Sebastian Rogowski
"I've never hit an animal while driving before. Neither a dog, nor a fox, nor a hare. Not even once for 20 years a bird smashed into my windshield. And, suddenly, "boom"! Smack after smack, a dozen, if not dozens of bird bodies drop beneath the dust of cloud on a gravel road.”
My journey into the world of photographic storytelling began in the final year of my Bachelor of Photography program, a period marked by the search for a mentor who could guide me through my culminating project. It was during this quest that I crossed paths with Sebastian Rogowski, whose generosity and expertise would leave a lasting impact on my work and perspective.
Eager to delve deeper into the art of photobooks—understanding their structure, the choice of paper and binding, the rhythm of images across pages, and the narrative they weave—I acquired a copy of Rogowski's "Suicidal Birds." This decision not only served my academic curiosity but also introduced me to a profoundly moving narrative set against the backdrop of Central Asia.
The core of "Suicidal Birds" is Rogowski's journey, which draws inspiration from a chilling legend Zhang recounted in 2020 “The story goes that when birds become old and sick, they find a tall rock to climb one final time before ultimately throwing themselves from it without taking flight, falling to their death”. This narrative serves as a poignant metaphor for life, transition, and the acceptance of fate, themes that Rogowski explores with sensitivity and depth throughout the photobook.
What sets "Suicidal Birds" apart is its deliberate omission of text detailing the journey or its objectives. This choice fosters a deeply immersive experience, allowing viewers to engage with the images on a personal level. As I pored over the pages, memories of my own travels across Central Asia, Turkiye, and Australia surfaced, echoing the landscapes captured in Rogowski's work. This connection between viewer and image underscores the power of photography to transcend boundaries, serving as a conduit for shared human experiences.
The portrait photography within "Suicidal Birds" is particularly striking. Rogowski's ability to forge a genuine connection with his subjects is evident in each frame. The portraits are intimate and authentic, portraying individuals not as mere strangers but as integral participants in the narrative. One image, that of a young lady in a house, reminded me of someone from my past, while another—a teenager with a rifle, clad in camouflage—evoked memories of my visit to a farm in Central Anatolia, where children carried rifles to protect their flocks from wolves.
To gain a deeper understanding of the sequencing and the emotional landscape of "Suicidal Birds," I invite you to view the accompanying video. Please note, all images and footage are copyrighted by their respective owners and require permission for reproduction.
This exploration of Sebastian Rogowski's "Suicidal Birds" has been a journey of discovery, not just of a photobook's technical elements, but of the profound ways in which photography can connect us to the world and to each other. Through Rogowski's lens, we are reminded of the stories that unite us, the shared moments of humanity that photography captures and preserves.
The sequence of the book can be seen in the video above.
All images and footage are copyrighted by the owners and cannot be reproduced without the permission of this website and the photographer.
If you would like to purchase a copy, please visit the following links:
https://www.sebastianrogowski.com/
https://www.setantabooks.com/collections/self-published/products/suicidal-birds
Zhang, I. R. (2020, August 21). Suicidal birds by Sebastian Rogowski. 1854 Photography. https://www.1854.photography/2020/08/suicidal-birds-by-sebastian-rogowski/
Photographer: Sebastian Rogowski (@sebowy1)
Edit & Sequence: Rafal Milach
Book Design: Ania Nalecka / Tapir Book Design
Print on Artic Volume Ivory
Printing & Binding: Argraf, Warszawa
Print Run: 500 Copies
Self-Published
First Edition
Bydgoszcz, 2020
ISBN 978-83-956763-0-7
