BREATHE IN: Emotions of the XVIII Chopin Competition by Filip Dowjat
The photographic book BREATHE IN: Emotions of the XVIII Chopin Competition by Filip Dowjat offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the 2021 Chopin Competition.
Filip Dowjat captured the emotions of the participants, from their intense concentration before performances to the anxious moments awaiting results. The project was developed in close collaboration with photo editor Joanna Kinowska, who curated the image selection and sequence, and designer Andrzej Dobosz, who crafted the elegant visual presentation.
BREATHE IN stands out for its elegance and subtlety, complemented by the sharp serif Migra (Pangram Pangram), emphasizing both the prestige and contemporary feel of the publication. The clearly integrated trilingual text (Polish, English, Japanese) allows readers worldwide to immerse themselves in the competition’s atmosphere.
A distinctive feature is the photographic index, providing details about the location, date, participant’s name, and the Chopin piece performed at each captured moment, enriching the emotional context for readers.
The title “WDECH / BREATHE IN / 胸に息を吸い込んで” symbolizes the silent moment before the first notes are played.
The book was published by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute (NIFC) and co-funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
