Göran Gnaudschun's 'Are You Happy?' Explores Rome's Prenestina Periphery

German photographer Göran Gnaudschun (born 1971 in Potsdam) presents his long-term project 'Are You Happy?', focusing on Rome's Prenestina area. The work, developed during his residency at the German Academy Villa Massimo starting in autumn 2017, examines the urban periphery between Porta Maggiore and the GRA (Grande Raccordo Anulare). Gnaudschun, who studied at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig under Timm Rautert, is known for series such as 'Alexanderplatz' (2010-14), 'Wüstungen' (2014-16), and 'Neue Portraits' (2005-09). His photographic approach emphasizes the interaction between photographer and subject, seeking an intensity that arises from close contact while maintaining a necessary distance. The title 'Are You Happy?' references a question from Pier Paolo Pasolini's film 'Accattone', shot in the same area. Gnaudschun's images intertwine urban space and inhabitants, revealing the evolution of architecture and human landscape over decades. The project builds on his previous monographs including 'Wüstungen' (Distanz Verlag, 2017) and 'Alexanderplatz' (Fotohof Edition, 2014). Gnaudschun has received numerous grants and awards, including the Hannover Shots (2015), a work grant from Stiftung Kunstfonds (2013), and the Lotto-Brandenburg-Kunstpreis (2012).