Rauhnacht | When I was 21, I almost developed depression after the death of my partner. I lay in bed for half a year and could hardly get up. I had nightmares every night. I was able to overcome it, but now, decades later, those episodes return to me from time to time.

Winter is hard. I live in a small town in the North, the cold creeps through the cracks of the old house which I rarely leave. What comes crawling out of the holes at night and sneaking around my home? Wild animals? Evil spirits? RAUHNACHT is a series of 60 pictures, taken in the winters from 2017 to 2022, a dystopian tale about a life in a hostile and maybe dangerous environment. But working on it made me feel euphoric and brought back the energy and joy to dark nights. A photobook was also made from it.

Uta Genilke, born in Hamburg in 1964, is a German graphic designer, photographer and bookmaker. Her photographic works merge with found archive material, video stills or family photos to create a deeply sensual experience when she translates her dreams, longings and fears into books.

During the last years, Uta self-published 25 books and zines in mini editions. Her work has been shown in group exhibitions and at international photobook festivals. One of her latest books REPLIKANT was published by Witty Books in 2023.

All Images © Uta Genilke