Monika Bulaj on Ethics, Light, and the Art of Photographic Reportage
Photographer Monika Bulaj, recently returned from Pakistan, discusses her approach to reportage in an interview ahead of her workshop and performance at Ca' Colmello, Italy, on June 5-7, 2018. Organized by Bruno Fronteddu and Chiara Tabaroni, the event also features illustrator Joanna Concejo, Chiara Guidi of Societas, vocal practices by Ewa Benesz, Butoh dance master Masaki Iwana, contemporary dancer Raffaella Giordano, actor Andrea Lupo of Teatro delle Temperie, Compagnia Milòn Mèla, and the female vocal group As Madalenas. Bulaj emphasizes ethics and gentleness as central to her practice, stating that photography is a relationship and mirror. She critiques the exoticism of 'photo safaris' and advocates for patience and listening. Her work focuses on persecuted peoples, nomads, and pilgrims, particularly in conflict zones like the Middle East, where she documents rituals threatened by terrorism. She views light as essential, often using small flashes to 'scratch' darkness, and describes the challenge of working in bright environments like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bulaj prefers color for its sensuality and opacity, as discovered in Pakistan. She warns against the ambiguity of instant photography, urging commitment, practice, and patience. Her performance 'Dove gli dei si parlano' combines photographs, stories, films, music, and sounds.
Key facts
- Monika Bulaj is a photographer specializing in reportage on persecuted peoples, nomads, and pilgrims.
- She recently returned from Pakistan before the interview.
- Bulaj will hold a workshop 'La scrittura creativa e non-fiction del reale' on June 5-6, 2018 at Ca' Colmello.
- On June 7, 2018, she will present 'Dove gli dei si parlano', a performing reportage with photographs, stories, films, music, and sounds.
- Ca' Colmello is a rural venue in Italy run by Bruno Fronteddu and Chiara Tabaroni since 2011.
- Other participants include Joanna Concejo, Chiara Guidi, Ewa Benesz, Masaki Iwana, Raffaella Giordano, Andrea Lupo, Compagnia Milòn Mèla, and As Madalenas.
- Bulaj states that ethics in photography requires attention and gentleness, and that the photographer must become the person being photographed.
- She believes reality is more beautiful than imagination and that people should not be used.
- She criticizes 'photo safaris' that turn places into stages.
- Bulaj describes light as everything, often using small flashes, and notes that in Afghanistan and Pakistan light is an 'enemy' to be handled delicately.
- She rediscovered color in Pakistan, valuing its sensuality and opacity.
- She warns against instant photography, advocating for patience and practice.
- The interview was published by Artribune in June 2018.
Entities
Artists
- Monika Bulaj
- Joanna Concejo
- Chiara Guidi
- Ewa Benesz
- Masaki Iwana
- Raffaella Giordano
- Andrea Lupo
- Bruno Fronteddu
- Chiara Tabaroni
Institutions
- Ca' Colmello
- Baba Jaga
- Societas
- Teatro delle Temperie
- Compagnia Milòn Mèla
- As Madalenas
- Artribune
Locations
- Ca' Colmello
- Italy
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Middle East