The multimedia was prepared in 15 minutes in cooperation with the photography historian dr. Dainius Junevičius, implementing the cycle “Photographers’ Lithuania: stories in images”.
In 2024, it will be exactly 200 years since the birth of Abdon Korzonas, the first photographer of Vilnius, one of the most famous photographers of the 19th century. the second half of the Lithuanian portraitists, a participant in the 1863 uprising, who never returned to Vilnius after his exile. Having received the basics of photography and the latest techniques of that time in Paris, in just a few years he created an impressive collection of portraits of Vilnius residents in his photo studio in Vilnius. In addition, as a true and brave innovator, he offered the citizens to make not only reproductions of paintings, he applied modern marketing “buy more – pay less”, organized photography lessons for the curious, and when he went beyond the walls of the photo studio, he was the first to capture the architecture, cityscapes and surroundings of Vilnius.
Abdon Petras Korzon was born in 1824. October 31 In Pašaltuoni, near Tauragė. He was the first son of Jonas Korzon and Rožė Stankevičiūtė. In addition to him, five more children grew up in the family: sons Vladislovas Benediktas, Brunos Tadas and Antanas and daughters Paulina and Olimpija. Abdon’s parents belonged to the nobility of the Minsk province, so Abdon also inherited the title of nobility.
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**Interview with Dr. Dainius Junevičius on Abdon Korzonas: The Pioneer of Vilnius Photography**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Junevičius. With 2024 marking 200 years since Abdon Korzonas’s birth, how do you see his legacy impacting contemporary photography in Lithuania?
**Dr. Junevičius:** Thank you for having me. Korzonas was truly a pioneer. His innovative approach to photography not only captured the essence of Vilnius in the 19th century but also laid the groundwork for how photography is perceived today—both as art and documentation. He introduced modern marketing techniques and accessible photography lessons, which democratized the art form and encouraged public participation.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how he integrated marketing strategies into his work. Do you think this commercialization of art is still relevant today, and could it potentially dilute the artistic value of photography?
**Dr. Junevičius:** That’s a compelling point. While commercialization can certainly affect artistic integrity, it can also provide more avenues for artists to reach audiences. Think about social media; artists today have platforms to share and monetize their work that simply didn’t exist in Korzonas’s time. The debate lies in finding the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability.
**Interviewer:** Korzonas also ventured beyond studio portraits to capture cityscapes and architecture. What do you believe inspired that exploration, and how crucial is it for photographers today to step outside their comfort zones?
**Dr. Junevičius:** His desire to document the broader context of society is something that resonates with many artists today. It reflects a commitment to storytelling and preserving history. Modern photographers can learn a lot from this; stepping outside of their comfort zones enables them to create more relatable and significant work.
**Interviewer:** As we reflect on Korzonas’s contributions, what do you think would be his thoughts on the role of technology in photography today?
**Dr. Junevičius:** Given that he embraced the latest techniques of his time from Paris, he would likely view digital photography and editing tools as wonderful extensions of his art. However, he might also warn against losing sight of the artistry in favor of merely what is possible with technology.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you think current photographers can carry forward Korzonas’s legacy?
**Dr. Junevičius:** They could emulate his spirit of innovation and community engagement. Perhaps they could focus on storytelling through their images, just as he did, while utilizing modern tools to expand their reach. It would be wonderful to see more collaborative projects that not only highlight individual talent but also build a collective narrative around our shared history.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Junevičius, for sharing your insights on this remarkable figure. Now, we turn it over to our audience: Do you think the commercialization of art, within the context of photography, helps or hinders the creative process? Share your thoughts below!
