Snapshots of commuters during China’s typhoon season by Wiktoria Wojciechowska

Words by Lucy Bourton, Wednesday 20 July 2016

Back in 2014 Poland-born photographer Wiktoria Wojciechowska was completing an artist residency in Beijing following her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. During her time in North East China Wiktoria struggled to connect with people, understandably so in one of the most highly populated cities in the world. However, rather than wallow in the difficulty of her position, Wiktoria managed to turn this awkwardness into a fascinating and humorous series of work. The result is Short Flashes a collection of photographs documenting commuters during typhoon season now published as a book by Bemojake.

Each snapshot is consistent, highlighting a despondent, drenched commuter hilariously wearing a brilliantly bright poncho to shelter from the rain. When described, a series of photos of people travelling to and from work in terrible weather could appear dull, but Wiktoria’s photographic ability and beaming flash makes them appear otherworldly. Wiktoria found a way to connect with those who sped past her daily, capturing them for her own reference, creating “a new family album to remember the people she never knew.” This collection of photographs also provide a twist on the daily pain of commuting we can all relate to.

Since completing the series, Short Flashes has deservedly won several awards including the Humanity Photo Award, International Photography Awards, Young Talents La Quatrieme Image, and Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award 2015.

Short_flashes_02 — Wiktoria Wojciechowska: Short Flashes

Short_flashes_04 — Wiktoria Wojciechowska: Short Flashes

Short_flashes_08 — Wiktoria Wojciechowska: Short Flashes

Short_flashes_11 — Wiktoria Wojciechowska: Short Flashes

Short_flashes_18 — Wiktoria Wojciechowska: Short Flashes

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