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Poland Through Foreign Eyes By Georg Van Der Weyden
Georg van der Weyden is a photographer of Swedish origin. His curiosity about other countries and cultures led him to live in several countries before finally arriving in Poland.


 
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ISBN: 9788393188000

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Description
 
Georg van der Weyden is a photographer of Swedish origin. His curiosity about other countries and cultures led him to live in several countries before finally arriving in Poland. He came here before our accession to the European Union and for several years traveled throughout our country in order to get to know and understand the places and people. In the end, he fell in love with its beauty, history and population each with its fascinating dimensions. The book owes its extraordinary aesthetic experience to his expertise as an advertising photographer. Like the subject of this book, the author's work exudes energy and tenderness, humor and self-confidence. The album shows Poland in a unique way. It is arranged according to geography. It contains photographs to allow us Poles to look at Poland with a new perspective and marvel at it again. We encourage you to look at Poland through the eyes of George ... Through the eyes of a foreigner. Includes an introduction by Kjell Albin Abrahamson, foreign correspondent and writer.

In the words of the author:

When I started the work with the book I put up some distinctive criteria to follow during the production process.

It should be a book that is:
- Unique in the way it presents the country.
- Independent and objective.
- Positive without shying away from controversial subjects.

Timeless
The book should be timeless both in a design matter but also, as far as possible, when comes to it’s content. If you take it from your bookshelf within a few years time it shall still feel fresh and relevant.

The content – The Polish Soul
The content should, when it’s seen as a whole, represent not a superficial image of Poland but go deeper and explain why today’s Poland is as fascinating to me as it really is. Therefore, no aspect could be left unmentioned – resulting in 11 chapters. In order to stay true to each of these 11 aspects of Poland the final printed book comprises 388 pages.

The Text
Even if I intensively have learned about Poland’s all aspects since I arrived in 2003, I drafted one of the most knowledgeable experts to further be able to, in an entertaining way, explain the sometimes complex interactions that have led to the Poland we see today. Kjell Albin Abrahamson has, with his sharp analyses, been a priceless addition when it comes to explaining this spellbinding country.

The Design
After two years of evolving the draft design I put the finishing touches together with Pontus Olauson. Our guidelines where – since it’s target is the international market, the design should work regardless the readers cultural background. The design should be understated, allowing the content to transmit the message without disturbing design elements.

OUR BOOK
When I started the work with the book I put up some distinctive criteria to follow during the production process.

It should be a book that is:
- Unique in the way it presents the country.
- Independent and objective.
- Positive without shying away from controversial subjects.

Timeless
The book should be timeless both in a design matter but also, as far as possible, when comes to it’s content. If you take it from your bookshelf within a few years time it shall still feel fresh and relevant.

The content – The Polish Soul
The content should, when it’s seen as a whole, represent not a superficial image of Poland but go deeper and explain why today’s Poland is as fascinating to me as it really is. Therefore, no aspect could be left unmentioned – resulting in 11 chapters. In order to stay true to each of these 11 aspects of Poland the final printed book comprises 388 pages.

The Text
Even if I intensively have learned about Poland’s all aspects since I arrived in 2003, I drafted one of the most knowledgeable experts to further be able to, in an entertaining way, explain the sometimes complex interactions that have led to the Poland we see today. Kjell Albin Abrahamson has, with his sharp analyses, been a priceless addition when it comes to explaining this spellbinding country.

The Design
After two years of evolving the draft design I put the finishing touches together with Pontus Olauson. Our guidelines where – since it’s target is the international market, the design should work regardless the readers cultural background. The design should be understated, allowing the content to transmit the message without disturbing design elements.

The Editing – Explain and Entertain
I have focused on being true to each chapter and cover nearly all of the important aspects. This has of course led to a rather thick and solid book which can be used as a reference whenever you want to learn something about Poland. Furthermore, I have concentrated on giving each spread a certain emotion – every time, flipping a page, the reader should be rewarded. It is a surprising country – so should a book about it also be.

“…multidimensional and intriguing Poland demands at least a whole book.”

This publication is the outcome of many years’ work by Georg van der Weyden, showcasing and helping understand what sometimes evades us: the mentality and motivation of the inspired and open-minded young generation of Poles, thanks to whom Poland is a country we can be proud of.

Even if Poland has the most intriguing past, the most interesting period in Polish history is now, because for the first time in modern history the Poles can decide their own future and also influence international matters.

Some Poles (only Poles) have told me that the book could be more propaganda-like, but I can only say, that countries are like people – “If you try to hide who you really are you will never get real friends.”. And, I want Poland to have more real friends. With all it’s dimensions and aspects, just as it is, Poland is to me the most interesting country I’ve ever visited and I want to show that.
To the Poles in Poland and abroad – I want to introduce a new kind of open and positive patriotism that is based on generosity towards neighbouring countries, with pride without saying we are better than others. Because in the new world there is only one way to success and that is to be friends with the international community. The message in the pictures and texts, and between the lines, works in the direction of open Poland to it’s neighbours and partners.

The book is an extraordinary item on the publishing market. Its author is a Swedish photographer Georg van der Weyden who by around 300 colorful pictures and marvelous descriptions tells us a stunning history about Poland.

The edition is characterized by an interesting variety of content which depicts the country in diverse aspects (chapters’ subjects range from economy to culture), beautiful pictures and aesthetic design.

/Georg


Georg van der Weyden jest fotografem szwedzkiego pochodzenia. Za sprawą swojej ciekawości świata i ludzi mieszkał w kilku krajach, nim w końcu trafił do Polski. Przybył tu jeszcze przed naszym wstąpieniem do Unii Europejskiej i przez kilka lat podróżował, próbując nasz kraj poznać i zrozumieć. W końcu zakochał się w jego pięknie, historii i mieszkańcach, w każdym z jego fascynujących wymiarów. Książka zawdzięcza swą niezwykłą estetykę doświadczeniu Georga jako fotografa reklamowego. Autor ukazuje złożoność naszego kraju zestawiając i przeciwstawiając w swoich pracach różne jego aspekty, i w mocnych obrazach portretuje siłę ludzkich przekonań. Tak jak sama Polska, dzieło Georga emanuje energią i delikatnością, humorem i pewnością siebie. Album pokazuje Polskę w unikalny sposób. Nie jest ułożony według kryteriów geograficznych, ale tematycznie. Zawarte w nim fotografie pozwalają również nam, Polakom, spojrzeć na Polskę z nowej perspektywy i zachwycić się nią na nowo. Zachęcamy do spojrzenia na Polskę oczami Georga... Oczami obcokrajowca. Zawiera wstęp autorstwa Kjella Albina Abrahamsona, korespondenta zagranicznego i pisarza
Features
  • Softcover
  • English - Polish Text
  • 382 pages
  • 300 Color Photographs
  • Size 9.5" x 9.5" - 24cm x 24cm


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