Josef Koudelka: Next by Melissa Harris Review – An Exploration of a Prolific Photographer's Life and Work
A visual biography of the restless and revered Czech photographer reveals his affinity with the Roma people and his eye for haunting, unforgiving landscapes.
The Reflective Mood of Josef Koudelka
In 2008, I had the opportunity to spend a few days with Josef Koudelka in Prague. He had recently returned to his homeland and was about to be honored with an exhibition of his photographs from the Russian invasion in 1968. Koudelka expressed his surprise and noted that for a long time no one in Prague was interested in remembering that pivotal moment. However, he felt that people were starting to remember again.
During our time together, I discovered that Koudelka had a fascinating adventure as a photographer. After leaving Czechoslovakia in 1970, he became a nomad, constantly traveling and living a vagabond life. He would disappear for months at a time with his camera, sleeping bag, and a rucksack filled with film canisters. Koudelka's eccentric lifestyle earned him the reputation of an artist who was aware of his own legend and legacy.
Melissa Harris's Thorough Overview of Koudelka's Life and Work
Melissa Harris's visual biography, titled Next, provides a detailed and informative account of Josef Koudelka's life and work. The book is rich in personal ephemera, including family portraits, snapshots, and excerpts from his journals. It traces his journey from a small town in Moravia to becoming one of the world's most revered photographers.
Koudelka's relentless restlessness and his affinity with the Roma people shaped his early subject matter. His book Gypsies, published in 1975, earned him the nickname 'romantico clandestino' among the Roma he lived and photographed. His eye for haunting human tableaux and stark landscapes is evident in his images, including the iconic Slovakia (Jarabina) photograph. Harris's book delves into the complexities of Koudelka's photographs and their underlying themes of isolation and belonging.
An Enigma: Koudelka's Personal Relationships and Immersive Approach
Harris's book also explores Koudelka's romantic relationships, which were often intense but fleeting. It delves into his relationships with his children, including one he met almost 30 years after her birth. Throughout the book, Koudelka's dedication to his work and his innate wanderlust are evident, leaving little room for long-term commitments.
Koudelka's immersive approach to photography establishes a connection and empathy with his subjects, resulting in photographs that possess a grainy romantic realism. His images serve as proof of his existence and the experiences he had. Harris's book paints a picture of Koudelka as an enigmatic figure, someone who formed enduring friendships and rewarding interactions through his alone and on-the-move lifestyle.
