Interview: with photographer Madeleine Kukic

Ever since graduating from the School of Fine Art and Design, St. Joost, The Netherlands in 1994, I’ve worked as a photographer and visual artist. After spending a few years devoting my time to my young family, I started photographing again in 2014. I see this period as a new beginning, which is why I’ve chosen to show only new work from now on.

In the analog photo series “Prelude,” I explore how it is – and how it was – to be a child. When time is not yet important. When seeing is believing, and what we hear, smell, taste and touch create lasting memories that we carry with us for the rest of our lives.

How and when did you become interested in photography?

My interest for photography was born when my father gave me a camera. I think I was 15 years old. I loved making photographs instantly. I think because when I’m photographing the high concentration keeps me in present time and it makes me connect with the world around me.

Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?

There are many artists who inspire my art but i think it’s important, when photographing and later by editing, i follow my own view.

Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?

We see the world around us in color. Black and white gives us more space for poetry because it makes a photograph more timeless. I use black and white when it suits the content.

How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

When i work in black and white, I work analog. I love to work analog because it slows me down. When i photograph and when I’m printing my work in the darkroom, I work slow, but with high concentration. For my series ‘Prelude’ i didn’t prepare much. I just made sure my camera was near and loaded with film so I can grab when something catch my eye.

Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?

At the moment I’m working on a series in color about my father. He has Alzheimer. In this series I’m looking for a way to keep contact with him and keep him with us as long as possible by sending him photographs of the things he loves in life.

Website: www.madeleinekukic.com