JEAN BOGAIS
Exploring Humanity Through the Lens of Experience
who am I?
Sociologist
Broadly, I see myself as a bit of a loner who enjoy the company of others. Everything I have done–and continue to do–has always been an extension of my interests. My ambitions are in a constant state of evolution and competition.
To the point, I am a sociologist – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Paris-Sorbonne. I bring over 35 years of evidence-based knowledge and experience as an academic and a practitioner focused on violence, particularly political violence.
I have served as an associate professor of sociology at the University of Sydney between 2012 and 2024, while also holding senior non-resident appointments in Singapore, Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, Geneva and Washington. I have been part of special missions with the UN in Africa and Asia–and ASEAN–investigating and documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity, also acting as a negotiator. Previously, I worked as a foreign correspondent with AFP and CBC.
I bring this background to the public now through talks, conferences and media appearances introducing well-informed perspectives on critical issues with a focus on transparency and accountability. I continue using photography as an integral part of my presentations.
My commitment to equal human rights for all, regardless of background, drives my advocacy for peace.
Who am I?
Photographer
How I See The World?
Photography has played a pivotal role in my life intertwining with all my endeavours. I used photography while working for the UN as an investigator especially in Cambodia – but it also played a key role in most of my teachings. I always believed in the importance of visual representation.
Photography, for me, has always been a means of immersing myself in creativity, capturing scenes and emotions, and sharing vision with others. It is about self-expression and freedom of speech; it creates a physical and metaphorical frame that delineates my desires and boundaries.
While I enjoy experimenting with various photographic genres, my true passion lies in street photography. I find the societal identities of communities fascinating; sometimes, the way someone’s walk or wears a hat captivates me far more than a picturesque landscape.
My fascination with the history of photography, and art more broadly, began in my teenage years leading me to study the works of many photographers and painters.
The photographers I admire, who have significantly influenced my perception of photography and the world, include:
Saul Leiter, Ernst Haas, Mary Ellen Mark, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Josef Koudelka, Elliott Erwitt, Sebastião Salgado, Carolyn Drake, Matt Black.
I extend special acknowledgment to my mentor, Michael Freeman, a world-acclaimed photographer and author of 147 books, including 60 focused on the practice of photography. According to Hachette Australia and Amazon, his works have sold over four million copies worldwide. I also would like to acknowledge Learning with Experts in London, probably the best vocational educational organisation that teaches many facets of photography.
who am i?
Human Rights Advocate
Broadly, I see myself as a bit of a loner who enjoy the company of others. Everything I have done–and continue to do–has always been an extension of my interests. My ambitions are in a constant state of evolution and competition.
To the point, I am a sociologist – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Paris-Sorbonne. I bring over 35 years of evidence-based knowledge and experience as an academic and a practitioner focused on violence, particularly political violence.
I have served as an associate professor of sociology at the University of Sydney between 2012 and 2024, while also holding senior non-resident appointments in Singapore, Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, Geneva and Washington. I have been part of special missions with the UN in Africa and Asia–and ASEAN–investigating and documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity, also acting as a negotiator. Previously, I worked as a foreign correspondent with AFP and CBC
I bring this background to the public now through talks, conferences and media appearances introducing well-informed perspectives on critical issues with a focus on transparency and accountability. I continue using photography as an integral part of my presentations.
My commitment to equal human rights for all, regardless of background, drives my advocacy for peace.
Photography
How I See The World
Photography has played a pivotal role in my life intertwining with all my endeavours. I used photography while working for the UN as an investigator especially in Cambodia – but it also played a key role in most of my teachings. I always believed in the importance of visual representation.
Photography, for me, has always been a means of immersing myself in creativity, capturing scenes and emotions, and sharing vision with others. It is about self-expression and freedom of speech; it creates a physical and metaphorical frame that delineates my desires and boundaries.
While I enjoy experimenting with various photographic genres, my true passion lies in street photography. I find the societal identities of communities fascinating; sometimes, the way someone’s walk or wears a hat captivates me far more than a picturesque landscape.
My fascination with the history of photography, and art more broadly, began in my teenage years leading me to study the works of many photographers and painters.
The photographers I admire, who have significantly influenced my perception of photography and the world, include:
Saul Leiter, Ernst Haas, Mary Ellen Mark, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Albert Watson, Josef Koudelka, Bruno Barbey, Elliott Erwitt, Dorothea Lange, Sebastião Salgado, Pentti Sammallahti, Carolyn Drake, and Matt Black.
I extend special acknowledgment to my mentor, Michael Freeman, a world-acclaimed photographer and author of 147 books, including 60 focused on the practice of photography. According to Hachette Australia and Amazon, his works have sold over four million copies worldwide.
Smoking ceremony conducted by Uncle Max Eulo onboard the Tribal Warrior vessel on Sydney Harbour. The vessel still running to this day is the oldest working boat in Australia.
Uncle Max Eulo Onboard Tribal Warrior
I have had the privilege to be authorised to take photos and conduct interviews of Aboriginal elders–as well as leaders–on different projects, some very important culturally and historically. I have also been involved in maritime programs with Aboriginal organisations including the Tribal Warrior Association based in Redfern, Sydney.
Established in 1998 by a group of local residents, the Tribal Warrior Association was founded with the vision of revitalising Aboriginal culture and promoting economic and social stability within the Indigenous community. Over the years, Tribal Warrior has grown into a multifaceted social enterprise with a strong focus on cultural preservation, education, and community empowerment.
Adventure
A Journey of Self and Sea
Adventure has also been an important part of my life. Among other significant projects, I undertook a round-the-world solo sailing journey, relying solely on traditional celestial navigation—there was no GPS available at the time. This experience profoundly shaped who I am and deepened my connection to nature and the environment.
I remain a dedicated sailor, spending as much time as possible enjoying the open water, where the beauty and challenges of the sea continue to inspire me.