Adam Peter Johnson's Debut Photo Book 'No Birds' Captures Friendship and Boredom in Suburban Australia
Adam Peter Johnson, a photographer based in Paris, has unveiled his debut photography book titled 'No Birds', published by Antenne Books. This work originated from a road trip through Australia with his close friend and collaborator, model Apolline Rocco-Fohrer. Departing from his commercial endeavors, this personal project delves into the nuances of friendship and the overlooked moments of stillness in rural and suburban Australia. Growing up in Provence, Johnson recognized similarities between that landscape and Australia. The book reflects on the bond between photographer and subject, reminiscent of Sophie Calle and Gregory Shephard's 'No Sex Last Night'. Johnson aimed to reveal emotions from Rocco-Fohrer that had previously gone unseen, highlighting their daily interactions. The imagery encompasses desolate interiors, expansive landscapes, highways, beaches, and intimate routines. Johnson refers to the silence he aimed to capture as 'the silence of contemplation', distinguishing it from the absence of birdsong. Themes of youth, boredom, and introspection permeate the work, with Johnson acknowledging the inherent melancholy of youth. 'No Birds' is now available for purchase.
Key facts
- Adam Peter Johnson is a Paris-based French photographer and director.
- 'No Birds' is Johnson's first photography book.
- The book is published by Antenne Books.
- The project was created during a road trip across Australia with model Apolline Rocco-Fohrer.
- Johnson grew up in Provence, France, and found Australia's landscape reminiscent of that region.
- The book explores themes of friendship, boredom, and introspection.
- Johnson aimed to capture emotions Rocco-Fohrer had not shown on camera before.
- The work is compared to Sophie Calle and Gregory Shephard's 'No Sex Last Night'.
Entities
Artists
- Adam Peter Johnson
- Apolline Rocco-Fohrer
- Sophie Calle
- Gregory Shephard
Institutions
- Antenne Books
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Australia
- Provence