Public Project
Metamorphosis
Summary
"Metamorphosis" is more than just a photographic series; it is a poignant exploration of the passage from childhood to adolescence, a metamorphosis that evokes the delicate transition from larva to butterfly. Through this intimate work, Matthias Koch documents this process of change over a period of nine years—sometimes difficult, but always marked by hope and the conviction that everything will turn out well.
"Metamorphosis" is more than just a photographic series; it is a poignant exploration of the passage from childhood to adolescence, a metamorphosis that evokes the delicate transition from larva to butterfly. Through this intimate work, Matthias Koch documents this process of change over a period of nine years—sometimes difficult, but always marked by hope and the conviction that everything will turn out well.The images, far from being trivial, testify to a universal experience that is profoundly personal. Each individual has lived this transformation, both banal and unique.
As a witness and narrator, Koch captures not only the physical evolution but also the subtle transformation of the soul. Each photograph evokes the impermanence of life, reminding both the viewer and the photographer that nothing remains fixed: the child becomes an adolescent, then an adult.The series "Metamorphosis" is also revealed in its genesis, a retrospective reflection that emerges from the archives. The images, which seem to have taken shape as an evident truth, form a coherent whole, marking the end of an era.
Through this work, Matthias Koch invites us to contemplate the inevitable changes of existence while celebrating the emergence of a new chapter. This project is an ode to transformation, to the beauty of human evolution, and to the hope that accompanies it.
Interview with Matthias Koch on "Metamorphosis"
Q: Matthias, how did the concept for *Metamorphosis* originate?
Matthias Koch: The project came from a deep interest in transformation—not just physical but emotional, spiritual, and psychological. I wanted to explore how a person changes over time, capturing a story that’s more than just surface-level development. It's inspired by the life cycle of nature but applied to human growth, and I’ve been documenting this process for almost a decade.
Q: What does the theme of transformation mean to you personally?
Matthias Koch: Transformation is a constant in life, whether we realize it or not. I’ve always been fascinated by the in-between moments, the phases where nothing is certain yet everything is in motion. This project is deeply personal because it mirrors my own journey through these shifting periods of life. Every photograph is a testament to the fragility and power of these transitions.
Q: Can you speak about the long-term nature of this project? Nine years is a significant amount of time.
Matthias Koch: Yes, it’s been a long journey, but one that was essential to the core of *Metamorphosis*. Real change doesn’t happen overnight—it’s slow, subtle, and sometimes invisible. I wanted to show that in the most authentic way possible, by photographing my subjects over nearly a decade. The time frame allowed me to really delve into each person's transformation, capturing their evolution in ways that shorter projects just can't achieve.
Q: The imagery in *Metamorphosis* feels intimate and raw. How do you approach connecting with your subjects to evoke such genuine emotion?
Matthias Koch: Building trust is key. Many of the people I photographed have been part of my life for a long time, and that connection creates a space where vulnerability is allowed. I think of the camera as a tool not to capture just what’s seen but what’s felt. The rawness you mention comes from those moments of connection when the subject forgets the camera is there and simply exists in the space we’ve created together.
Q: How do you want viewers to engage with these transformations?
Matthias Koch: I want viewers to reflect on their own transformations, their own moments of metamorphosis. We all experience shifts in identity, roles, or perspectives, and I hope my work prompts people to think about those quiet, unseen moments of change in their own lives. It's also about accepting that transformation is not always easy or clear—it can be painful, confusing, or even freeing—but it’s always part of our journey.
Q: What's next for *Metamorphosis*? Do you consider it complete, or could it evolve further?
Matthias Koch: I don’t think it will ever truly be "complete" in the traditional sense. As long as life keeps evolving, so will this project. I may continue to revisit the subjects in the future, or I might expand it to include new stories. *Metamorphosis* is about the ongoing process of becoming, so it feels natural that the project itself remains open to new forms of evolution.
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For more about Matthias Koch and his projects, you can explore Metamorphosis
Portfolio — MATTHIAS KOCHMatthiaskoch.co
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