The experience so far has been insightful, challenging, and highly rewarding. I have had the opportunity to meet artists from all around the world, establish valuable professional connections, and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic practices through my work. Being immersed in such an international and creative environment has broadened my perspective and strengthened both my professional and personal development.
One of the challenges I did not anticipate was the social aspect of the collaboration. A significant part of my work involves photographing and documenting artists, which requires building trust in a relatively short amount of time. I quickly realized that it is not always easy to make people feel relaxed in front of the camera or encourage them to contribute to the social media platform. For many artists, their studio is a very personal and sensitive space where they create, experiment, and sometimes feel vulnerable. Inviting someone into that environment with a camera requires sensitivity and respect.
During the first half of the exchange, I have experimented with different approaches to make each artist feel comfortable and engaged. I have learned that taking the time to have conversations before photographing, listening to their stories, and adapting my approach to each individual has led to more authentic interactions and stronger visual documentation. These experiences have improved both my communication skills and my ability to work in diverse cultural and professional settings.
Overall, I feel that the objectives of the program are being met. The exchange has provided valuable opportunities for artistic collaboration, intercultural learning, and professional growth. It has also encouraged me to become more adaptable and reflective in my practice. For the remainder of the exchange, I would like to continue developing stronger relationships with the participating artists and further refine my methods for documenting their work in a way that feels both respectful and engaging. At this stage, I do not believe major adjustments to the program are necessary, but I hope to continue building on the experience and knowledge I have gained during the first half of my stay.