Embracing Impermanence

by

Photo of two women in costume

A Journey Through Change and Beauty

In a world often defined by conflict and violence, the notion of impermanence becomes not only a topic of reflection but also a source of fascination. As someone who has spent years working in confronting environments, I find myself drawn to the fleeting nature of reality—where everything is in a constant state of flux and nothing lasts forever. This photography theme resonates deeply with me, both as a sociologist and a photographer.

Photo of Tasmanian stacks
Erosion: Wilderness – when seas and rocks are merging as they have done for millions of years.

The Challenge of Accepting Impermanence

Impermanence can be a difficult concept to embrace. It challenges our innate desire for stability, security, and continuity. Our obsession with preserving moments—be it human experiences or the beauty of the natural world—often leads us to strive for a sense of perfection that is, quite frankly, unattainable. This drive can manifest as an urge to ‘perfect’ imperfection, crafting new truths that often fall short of the essence of reality.

This complex relationship between what is human-made and what is shaped by nature is at the heart of my exploration into impermanence. Whether through the hands of industrialisation or the gentle touch of erosion, time plays a crucial role in this dialogue, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also beautiful.

Photo of Tasmanian stacks
Old amenities: Materials, colours & textures.

Wabi-Sabi: The Beauty of Imperfection

In his insightful work, The Photographer’s Mind, Michael Freeman delves into the varying perceptions of imperfection across cultures. He notes that while Western Romanticism may have celebrated an idealised notion of beauty, East Asia offers a different perspective through the lens of wabi-sabi. This Japanese aesthetic embraces the humble and the simple (wabi) and finds beauty in the old and discoloured (sabi).

Wabi-sabi represents a profound acceptance of the transient nature of life, evolving from a once darker and more negative viewpoint into a celebration of impermanence. It teaches us that there is beauty in the fleeting moments, in the scars and the signs of age that tell our stories.

Photo of a crane
Crane: Circa 1880s and in the process of restoration.

The Intersection of Humanity and Nature

In this project, I seek to explore the delicate interplay between human constructs and the forces of nature. How do our built environments reflect our desire for permanence, and how does nature’s erosion challenge that? This dialogue is rich with potential for discovery, and it invites us to reconsider our relationship with the world around us.

By capturing these themes through photography, I hope to illustrate that while nothing lasts forever, the moments we experience are imbued with beauty, even in their transience. It is this beauty that invites us to look closer, to appreciate the intricate dance between what is constructed and what is allowed to simply be.

In embracing impermanence, we may find not only acceptance but also a profound sense of connection to the world and its ever-changing narrative. As we navigate this journey together, let us celebrate the fleeting, the imperfect, and the beautifully transient nature of our existence.


For more insights into this theme, explore Michael Freeman’s photography work here.
Photo of a disused warehouse through an open window
Windows on windows in an old warehouse once used for shipbuilding.
Photo of Tasmanian gatekeepers

Fine Art Prints

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Man With Hat. A photo by Sydney photographer Jean Bogais

Portfolio of Work

Rather than merely describing the world, I see photography as a way to explore its meanings.

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Self Portrait of fine art photographer Jean Bogais

About Jean Bogais

SOCIOLOGIST & PHOTOGRAPHER

Jean Bogais is a Paris-Sorbonne educated sociologist (Doctorate), and Social & Intercultural Psychologist whose principal area of academic and professional interests have been (political) violence. He has a considerable experience working on-the-ground as a foreign correspondent, a UN investigator/negotiator, and also as a specialist teaching academic (professor level.) His practical experience comprises stays in North Africa and many years (25+) in Southeast Asia.

Jean is also a passionate photographer, capturing societal themes through his lens. His photography reflects his deep engagement with the complexities of the human experience, blending his insights with a visual narrative that explores the interplay between society and the environment.

His fascination with adventure started as a teenager. He has been a dedicated ocean sailor throughout his life, completing a round-the-world solo journey among other significant adventure projects. His passion for sailing started as a teenager, at the same time as his passion for photography.

Self Portrait of fine art photographer Jean Bogais

About Jean Bogais

SOCIOLOGIST & PHOTOGRAPHER

Jean Bogais is a Paris-Sorbonne educated sociologist (Doctorate), and Social & Intercultural Psychologist whose principal area of academic and professional interests have been (political) violence. He has a considerable experience working on-the-ground as a foreign correspondent, a UN investigator/negotiator, and also as a specialist teaching academic (professor level.) His practical experience comprises stays in North Africa and many years (25+) in Southeast Asia.

Jean is also a passionate photographer, capturing societal themes through his lens. His photography reflects his deep engagement with the complexities of the human experience, blending his insights with a visual narrative that explores the interplay between society and the environment.

His fascination with adventure started as a teenager. He has been a dedicated ocean sailor throughout his life, completing a round-the-world solo journey among other significant adventure projects. His passion for sailing started as a teenager, at the same time as his passion for photography.

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