in–surmountable

Jan Vu

Jan Vu’s short experimental film and photographic project IN–SURMOUNTABLE explores the world of the visually impaired and investigates the questions of image, colour, aesthetic perception and art creation of the visually impaired.

Still being able to perceive an image, his senses have not fully developed due to the remnants of his vision and therefore without the special optics his vision gets abstractly indistinguishable.

In-surmountable challenges the visual, acoustic and tactile of the audience. The short movie is meant to be viewed in maximum quality possible, preferably with headphones, in order to maximise the visual and acoustic experience. The photographic project, which is a complementary part of the movie, deepens the experience offering one to explore their tactile perception.

Jan Vu

Jan is an aspiring adventure and outdoor photographer but besides that, you will see him working as a content creator, digital content specialist and a social media manager. He's previously worked with brands such as Canon, The Bahlsen Family, Ritter Sport or the Loop Agency.

Having lived in multiple countries, working in different environments and experiencing a variety of cultures he is as comfortable in the Alps as in his home city of Prague, where he is currently based.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

I'll be 45 at that time? Hopefully still working and doing what I love, I am currently working towards having my own creative hub full of like minded people so hopefully by then it'll be done.

What is a good design for you?

This is a very subjective thing. However, for me it has to answer the questions of functionality, aesthetics and problem solving and that is what I look for in "good design".

What was the most challenging experience during your studies?

Oh probably the whole pandemic thing and the confusions and complications it has caused. That was annoying...

Who or what inspires you?

When creating it is most of the times nature and its wilderness what inspires me. But I draw my inspiration from a variety of sources. In general it's books, different artists, people and my parents actually.

How do you approach a new project?

That is a very complicated question since it's different from photoshoot to photoshoot and project to project. Some have multiple meetings with the client before I even get into planning and sketching. For some I just arrive and start working. For bigger projects I like to work in a team, have mood-boards, shot-lists and time schedules for example. But I always make sure to also leave space and time to just create.

What advice would you give to students who just started studying in your programme?

This might sound very cliché but really try to get the most out of your studies. Ask about stuff you are not sure about (and don't be shy or feel like that's a stupid question), talk to people, professors, make changes if you are not happy about something and network, network a lot. Just take action. It's just like in life – what you put in is what you'll get.

Have you changed during your studies? How?

Definitely!! I have started at UE back when the Uni was still in the old BTK building so I think it is obvious. But reflecting back I think mostly my approach has changed a lot as well as I learned to better structure my work and even though it's still my biggest weakness I think that even my conceptual thinking has developed. And of course I have also changed a lot in general as a human being I think.

Why did you choose to study in your programme?

Well I did my BA at UE as well so this just made sense for me to also finish my studies here. What I expected from the MA programme was mostly to further help me develop myself both as a human and as a photographer or creator.

What are you not going to miss in your studies?

Honestly now looking back...probably just printing process books? haha Uni years are just the best!

How are you going to celebrate your graduation?

Ah, I'll do the usual family&friends dinner and then I'll pack my bags and leave the city for a bit.

Say hi!

Rahul Sharma