Illuminating Chess: A Photobook by Fred Lucas on the World of Chess

Chess has fascinated people for centuries. But what exactly is chess? Is it a sport, a science, or an art? Well, people think differently about that. Some Grandmasters may say it’s a sport, while others think it’s an art.

Despite the individual nature of the game, we have always found it striking that chess is also a social activity. Nowadays, chess is regularly played on the internet, but still more often in social settings such as clubs, tournaments and cafés, making it a unique activity for people of all ages and backgrounds. At the Olympiad, chess players from different countries find common ground because chess has its own international language of pieces, moves and rules. Even in a park, chess can create connections between strangers as they engage in a game together.

Like chess, photos also have the power to connect people across time and distance. Photos capture moments and emotions that transcend language and cultural barriers. They preserve memories and remind us of the beauty and diversity of our world. We believe that in today's digital age, a physical photo book still has the ability to foster a sense of belonging.