Eidolon Shelf represents a collaborative effort between Eidolon and one of our favourite places in Budapest: ISBN books + gallery, a contemporary art bookstore and a gallery space. This initiative showcases a monthly selection of books closely aligned with the realms of vernacular photography, banal imaging, and contemporary photographic theories. Our goal is to popularise knowledge in these specific areas through the titles that we enjoyed and have influenced our thinking in the field of everyday imaging. Each month, a featured publication takes center stage on the Eidolon Shelf at the ISBN store, alongside other carefully curated books which are available for purchase on the spot.
Our recommendation for May is the publications of Fraglich Publishing,
a small platform led by Austrian photographer and archivist Lukas Birk. Birk, who has been one of the most versatile, dynamic, and open-minded participants in the international field of vernacular photography for almost two decades now, established Fraglich in 2007 as his personal imprint for photographic works and research projects. However, since 2017, Fraglich has expanded its scope to include works by other artists.
As the name suggests (meaning 'questionable' or 'doubtful' in German), Fraglich Publishing is dedicated to critiquing the classical modernist, and Eurocentric traditions of documentary photography still prevalent in the West. Through his project, Lukas Birk emphasises our responsibility towards the documented peoples, and cultures – particularly those outside our own. Beyond merely avoiding exoticization, there is a need to appreciate and preserve overlooked, vernacular photographic practices to understand the medium’s full history and global significance. Birk's work predominantly takes place in conflict-affected countries, where he gathers, uncovers and shares archival imagery. His approach aims to shed light on neglected (visual) narratives often hidden within these regions, as well as the importance of local perspectives.
Fraglich Publishing crafts their editions within the regions tied to the content they portray. Through localised printing, they curtail expenses and environmental repercussions and also help regional economies.
Lukas Birk was one of the speakers of our event Talks on Everyday Imaging – The Analogue and Digital Realm of the Vernacular in November, 2023. You can watch his presentation here:
He is also a founding member of the Vernacular Social Club, an online platform disseminating vernacular documents and is the co-host of the project’s podcast.
The titles which you can purchase at ISBN are the following:
Lukas Birk: CHONGQING SOUVENIR – a little tale of revolution from 1967-1968, 2020 – 11500 HUF
Lukas Birk: Gülistan. Kenan & Filiz, 2019 – 11500 HUF
Lukas Birk: FERNWEH. A Man's Journey, 2019 – 9990 HUF
Lukas Birk: HAND COLOURING, 2022 – 5990 HUF
You can find Fraglich Publishing’s website here, and Lukas Birk’s online portfolio here.
Grab your books at ISBN books+gallery:
1084 Budapest, Víg utca 2.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 12-6pm
