Public Republic

Interview with the photographer Peter Beym by Aneliya Angelcheva

“The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible…” Oscar Wild

Peter Beym (Piotr Jerzy Beym) was born in Poznan, Poland in 1966 – in the years of communist chaos. At the age of 19 he was forced to leave his country for political reasons and after strolling around the world for years – trying to find his own place, he settled in Iceland – a fascinating isle in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He let himself be captivated with the beauty of the Icelandic women and fell in love with the breathtaking nature of the place.

You can find more about him and his artwork on his web page.

When did you start photographing?

That was 2005 in Akureyri, Iceland. And from that time I learned photography myself step by step and I’m still learning.

What is your source of inspiration?

The beauty of nature and the special Icelandic light.

What message do you implement in your artworks?

There is not really message – I just do what I love.

Could you tell me more about your exhibition in Reykjavik?

The exhibition title was “Islensk Augnablik” (Icelandic Moment). The exhibition was in Ofeigur Gallery in Reykjavik, featuring the work of many well known Icelandic artists. The show was a big success for me and created me many different opportunities.

Why Iceland exactly? I know you are from Poland and that you moved to Iceland many years ago. Is there special kind of magic on the island?

In the beginning I followed women to Iceland from Munich, Germany. Then I found magic in Iceland’s amazing nature and I decided to stay.

I saw some amazing photos of yours. The Northern lights, the horses – they are all impressive. Do you have a favorite photo?

That´s a very difficult question. I have a few which I like the most but my favorite is a cross in blue colors, which is quit controversial. I named the picture “Happy Easter”.

If you weren’t a photographer what would you do?

When I was young I wanted to be a theatre actor but then I had to politic from Poland and change my plans.

We all witness our planet is rapidly changing – we see the floods, the volcano eruptions, we see the rising temperatures. How do you imagine our world after 20 years?

On this question I can only give you an answer after 20 years. 🙂

Beauty is everywhere around us. What is the most beautiful place that you have been?

That is the place where I am now, exactly in this moment.

It is always interesting to me what a photographer thinks in the moment of taking a picture. What do you usually think while photographing?

I´m just impressed with the beauty of something or the light in an interesting situation, and press the button to catch that.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to take THAT photo which will open all doors for me..