🎙️ Welcome to Ep. #49 of The Urbanaut Podcast, presented in collaboration with Urbanautica.com. In this episode, we journey with Canadian photographer and educator Kyler Zeleny, whose work delves deeply into the Canadian prairies and the stories within rural communities. Kyler’s trilogy of photo books captures the essence of small-town life, exploring the beauty, resilience, and complexities of the rural landscape.

About Our Guest: Kyler Zeleny
Kyler Zeleny (b. 1988) is an accomplished Canadian photographer, educator, and author, holding degrees in Political Science, Photography and Urban Cultures, and a PhD in Communication & Culture. With published works like Out West, Found Polaroids, Crown Ditch & The Prairie Castle, and Bury Me in the Back Forty, Kyler has documented rural life on the prairies for over a decade. His work, featured in publications like The Globe & Mail, The Guardian, and The Washington Post, reflects his ongoing exploration of rural identity and urban-rural contrasts.

You can follow Kyler's journey and works on Instagram at @kylerzeleny or on his website at kylerzeleny.com.

Tune in to this episode to:

• Discover the origins of Kyler’s trilogy documenting rural Canadian life:
• Explore his inspirations drawn from his academic and artistic background, and how his rural upbringing on the Canadian prairies continues to shape his artistic philosophy.
• Delve into his reflections on “post-photography” in an AI-driven era, where traditional photography blends with digital and archival storytelling.
• Hear Kyler’s philosophy on respecting the creative process and pursuing knowledge, as he shares insights on capturing rurality's “roses and thorns.”
• Learn about the “hero’s journey” in his work, as Kyler returns to his roots to create a layered narrative of rural life.

Don't forget to:

• Subscribe to our channel for more episodes exploring art, photography, and place.
• Like and share this episode to celebrate the stories and landscapes of the Canadian prairies.
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EPISODE LINKS:

• Kyler’s Contact: www.kylerzeleny.com
• Kyler’s Instagram: @kylerzeleny

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction to Kyler’s Trilogy
8:56 - Farm Background and Early Photography Beginnings
14:37 - Influence of New Topographic Photographers
35:09 - The “Hero’s Journey” and Storytelling
36:51 - Exploration of ‘Found Polaroids’
52:34 - Loneliness and Spiritual Connection to Rural Life
1:25:22 - Reflections on ‘Post-Photography’
1:30:38 - The Rose Metaphor
1:32:08 - Layered Storytelling in Photography
1:59:44 - Creating a Roadmap of Past, Present, and Future
2:06:08 - Final Reflections and Advice to Photographers

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#KylerZeleny #TheUrbanautPodcast #Photography #CanadianPrairies #DocumentaryPhotography #RuralIdentity #OutWest #CrownDitch #BuryMeInTheBackForty #ArtisticExploration #urbanautica #SteveBisson #PatrickLeeHubbard