Galia Rogner, aged 42, a mother, a photographer, poetry lover. Over the years she has been exhibiting her work in solo and group exhibitions, in Israel and around the world. Her work has been published in photography books, online magazines and as part of various photography projects.
KALTBLUT: How did you discover photography and how about photographing yourself?
Galia: I’ve loved photography my whole life but only started taking photographs myself in 2008 following a personal transition in my life. I’ve never studied photography formally, I’ve gained my knowledge through personal experience and exploring.At the beginning I was focusing on self portraits as a tool for dealing with existential issues. Through working with my own body I feel firmer, more concrete in my own existence. When I photograph myself I usually challenge my body and explore its abilities and boundaries. Since then I’ve been photographing other people, landscapes, details…anything that catches my eyes and mind, mostly with added symbolism. When the need arises I photograph myself.
KALTBLUT: Which cameras do you feel are important for your style?
Galia: I mostly shoot with my Canon digital slr and sometimes play with my analog cameras, Diana, an old Ilford and a few toy cameras.
KALTBLUT: How do you decide what to shoot? Do your surroundings play a big part?
Galia: I’m very impulsive with my photography, I don’t tend to “decide” to shoot but feel an urge and do it. What Influences me the most when I photograph myself is my pain. I also love taking photographs in old cemeteries, of the sea, of abandoned rooms…my daughter. I’m interested in eternalizing the impermanent by capturing the most elusive moments and also in facing intimidating existential conditions as isolation, abandonment, solitude and mortality.
KALTBLUT: What are you working on at the moment?
Galia: I’m not working on something specific right now, I may work on my next solo exhibition soon, maybe a photography book, we’ll see. I am working though on being aware, as much as I can, of the transitory nature of all things.
Interview by Amanda M. Jansson
galiarogner.wix.com/photography
