Article by Pierre Alec Bordero
An evening of beauty and meaning took place in the majestic setting of Monaco's Oceanographic Museum. The international premiere of Earth-both a luxurious photo book and a moving documentary by the renowned Slovak photographer Filip Kulisev-was held under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. A long-time supporter of Kulisev's work, the Prince praised the artist's unique ability to capture the fragile splendour of our planet.
“I don't photograph destroyed landscapes,” Kulisev explained in an exclusive interview with Monte Carlo Style before the screening. “My goal is to show how beautiful the planet still is, and how important it is to protect it.” This positive, almost poetic approach defines his latest project-a powerful yet gentle reminder of what we are in danger of losing.
Earth is Kulisev's thirteenth publication, but it has a special resonance. Structured around the world's climate zones, the book invites readers on a visual journey through glacial expanses and tropical forests, deserts and underwater paradises. Each image is a love letter to the planet, devoid of alarmism, but full of emotion.
The book is accompanied by a 60-minute documentary, largely shot from the air. “The first part shows different landscapes-rock, dunes, tropical paradises, trees, seabed,” Kulisev said. “The second part reveals the behind-the-scenes-how we travel, how some images were created. That's the fun part of the film.” Asked if he has become the ’hero“ of his film, he smiles: ”Not the hero, but it's interesting.“
The choice of Monaco as the stage for this world premiere is no coincidence. Kulisev's relationship with the Principality and its Prince has lasted for years. “We work well with the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince Albert II Foundation since 2009,” he recalled. Together, they share a common vision: to inspire wonder, and through wonder, inspire action.
But how does a photographer, who has visited almost 170 countries, keep his work so fresh and heartfelt? “It is not important to travel to every country in the world,” he reflects. “For me, it's better to go back to the places where I feel a good energy. The emotion is there.”
Asked about the role of beauty in environmental communication, Kulisev remained humble but confident. “We cannot change climate change. It is impossible, but we can change ourselves.” His work, he says, is his memory-his personal and positive expression of the world as he sees it.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in Kulisev's vision, the Earth book includes a QR code that gives access to the full documentary. It is a bridge between the still and moving image, between contemplation and immersion.
To discover more of his extraordinary work, visit his platform:
www.amazing-planet.com
Image: Filip Kulisev (@ courtesy of)
