Magdalena Wosińska was born in Katowice in 1983. In 1991 she emigrated with her parents from communist Poland to the United States and lived in Arizona before setting in Los Angeles in 2004. As a teenager, she found a sense of community and solace in the skateboarding subculture of the 90s, which became her great passion and source of inspiration.
At the age of 14 she began taking photographs, dreaming of making a cover for Thrasher magazine. Over time, she gained recognition in both commercial and editorial photography. Today, 25 years later, she returns to her roots with the monograph “Fulfill the Dream”, in which she presents her early photos of skateboarding icons, while also showing her artistic evolution. Her book is a time capsule of sorts, documenting the skateboarding scene and her development as an artist, in which Magda captures intimate moments from a unique perspective, being one of the only few women deeply connected to this culture
We met with Magda during her last visit in Poland to talk about her new book, relationships with loved ones and upcoming projects.- Alicja Klitenik.
Can you tell me what’s your book about?
Skateboarding from the mid 1990’s to now. And how this is how I coped with culture shock moving to a new country.
What sparked the idea to publish it? How long did it take from the initial concept to the book’s release?
About 5 years! I’ve always wanted to make this book but the time was not right before until now.
What was the most challenging moment of bringing this project to life? And why?
Going through all the old images was quite cathartic and difficult. There was some beautiful moments, and there were some really hard moments when I was younger, so putting it all together was a very emotional journey.
How did you find your publisher? Can you share a bit more about this journey?
I went to Mexico City a year and a half ago to an art fair with the intention that I will maybe find a publisher for my book there. Sure enough the last night I was there I went to an opening with beautiful prints on the walls and I asked what was the opening for and they said it was for a new book by a girl named Pia (author’s note: Pia Riverola’s debut monograph “Flechazo”). I asked who the publisher was and they happened to be there so I met them and introduced myself and asked them if they would be interested in this project and they said yes. It’s the first time I ever worked with a publisher. I was very grateful that they were supportive and believed in me!
The book was out in April, and you have been on the road with premieres since then. What do the author’s meetings and direct interactions with your audience mean to you? How did you feel at the start, and how do those feelings compare now?
I think overall in general, I feel the same in the beginning as I did now, the interactions are very genuine and authentic, and people have been very kind and welcoming with this project. It’s really nice to be able to talk about the work and have other people relate to the journey of it all.
Your premieres are often held in smaller, intimate, community-oriented venues, even though you could showcase your book at ie. larger events. What triggered this approach?
I like intimate spaces because it’s easier to create intimate conversation.
We met in June in Warsaw during your first book signing in Poland. You had another two this week (it’s September as we speak) – in Bydgoszcz during Vintage Photo Festival and day after at the local skateshop in Warsaw. How do you feel about Polish audience? Is there anything special about us that stands out from other places you’ve signed your book?
When I am in Poland, I feel most myself and when I interact with the Polish audience, I feel very much at home and I feel very much see. People are very raw and honest and some of my best conversations have come from my talks in Poland 🙂
Your bond with your Dad is truly remarkable. It’s clear he’s extremely proud of you, and having the opportunity to hear about your family life and other anecdotes is heartwarming. After more than 30 years of living in the U.S. your Dad has returned to Poland for good. How often do you get a chance to see each other? How do you both cope with having a long-distance father-daughter relationship?
I see my dad more now that he lives in Poland than I did when he lived in America. This time when we spend time together, we really value it because we have so much distance between us. I’ve seen him about four times this year 🙂
I know you’re working on a project about your Mum. Can you tell more about it? Why is it important to you?
I will talk more about this project when I’m closer to having the actual project finalized!
Which feels more like a home to you – the U.S. or Poland? Why?
Both for different ways. I’m comfortable and have set up a life in America, especially with close friends and a career, but in Poland, I feel the most at home in my soul.
Being a misfit and act like a tomboy for most of your life somehow helped you to immersed in the masculine world of skaters, musicians, car lovers and others which you’re also a fan of. How did you discover your own way to femininity and how do you maintain & embrace it in a world often dominated by men?
I am just barely starting to figure all that out!
Do you still need to prove you can be as good as men at work? If yes, why you feel this way?
I don’t think I do. I don’t even think about it. I think when you get older, you stop really caring.
You’re quite active on your Instagram profile and your descriptions are often deeply personal, sincere, and emotionally touching. How do you keep yourself being that genuinely authentic and vulnerable in an online world that can be often extremely ruthless?
I don’t see how I could possibly do it any other way! I’m a storyteller and I tell stories through images and words, and this is just a way for me to express myself.
You turned 41 this year. What’s the coolest thing of getting older?
Less fear of the unknown!
Do you feel fulfilled?
I do 🙂
What can we wish you?
For me to make this movie about my mom in the next few years and for it to be something that could be worldly relatable.
Thank you.
Thanks!
Interview: Alicja Klitenik
Portrait: Alicja Klitenik
Photography: Magda Wosińska
