NEWS: A Kickstarter Campaign for The Rocketgirl Chronicles Brings Backyard Space Travel to Print

3…2…1…blast-off! Backyard Space Travel missions, a photography project started by Andrew Rovenko under Covid-19 lockdowns, is now coming to print under the name, The Rocketgirl Chronicles, aiming to be funded by a Kickstarter campaign.

Andrew Rovenko, a Ukraine-born and Melbourne-based photographer, captured scenes of his daughter’s imaginative space adventures with a Mamiya RZ67 and Fuji Pro400H, developing and scanning all the negatives at home. The project tells the story of a curious young astronaut exploring her neighbourhood within 5km and beyond when restrictions eased.

Rocketgirl’s expeditions first started as a response to the limitations imposed by the pandemic, when the options for outdoor activities became scarce, but the surreal atmosphere of emptiness has created a perfect backdrop for such imaginative explorations. – Rovenko

Backyard Space Travel missions was celebrated by Vogue and Rolling Stone Magazine while also being featured in exhibitions in Australia, Italy, and New York. Rovenko was named 2021 Australian Photographer of the Year by the Australian Photography Magazine and has won several photography awards for the work.

With the project wrapped, Rovenko was asked for a book which he says will aim to, “always remind us of one magical power that we all have, but often forget about as we grow up. Something that can always give us the freedom to go beyond any limits…power to imagine.”

The Kickstarter Campaign for ‘The Rocketgirl Chronicles’ will run until April 15, 2023. Printing is expected in August with shipping commencing in September.

Pledge at least AUS $87 and receive a copy of the book. Higher-level pledges include prints or multiple copies of the bound work.

The book will measure 237mm x 297mm (or 9.3″ x 11.6″). With initial funding goals met, there will be at least 64 pages laying out 33 images. However, the campaign goal was not meant to cover all production costs, but rather assist with expenses. If funding passes AUS $22K, this will cover the full costs of the printing and may even allow for twice the number of pages and images. After being live for only a couple of days now with the initial goal met, there is a good chance a fully funded double version of the book is possible.

Find out more info or back the project at the Kickstarter site here.

You can also find more about Rovenko’s work on his website here or on Instagram at @rovenko.

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