Through my oeuvre, I want to explore the relationship between the imperfect image, and the viewer's experience in the emotional narrative conveyed by the image. In addition, I want to challenge learned photographic conventions which, to varying degrees and in varying contexts, claim to be interpretations of reality. To me, imperfection means that nothing is permanent, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect either. With this same imperfection I celebrate what is slightly edged, aged, and damaged. In this way I ensure the individuality of the image, which helps me to build a narrative, and to challenge the viewer to first emotionally perceive the image before rationally interpreting it. Thus, I tell a story through images, where the force between the imperfect image and the viewer's emotion creates the perceived value.
Currently I express myself with high contrast black and white images. By cropping the image in the moment of the photograph being taken and in post-production, I peel away excess information and sometimes the image may appear as something abstract. My photo series rarely, or never, contain overview images. One question that is constantly raised in the process is whether it is possible to make the image more blackended.
My aim is for the viewer to become involved in the series, not through recognizing the place and/or what is happening in the picture, but rather through the feeling and mood conveyed by the image. In general I add a supporting text to the series. The purpose of the text is to entice the viewer into the story via the desired input track, and there is always work to balance the right amount of written words in the story.
At the moment, the stories in my photo series take off in my meetings with my therapist. Sessions that help me sort memories from my upbringing as a dandelion child. The process from conversation to finished picture helps me define myself. Whether I use analog or digital technology when shooting, my workflow is always the same. I am looking for imperfect contexts with interesting people, who give me access to their everyday lives. In all photo occasions, there is a stated or silent agreement to photograph.
Recently, I realized and accepted that I am an intuition-driven photographer and I feel that the camera through the nerves of the arm, join with my instinct. The pictures are taken without me directing or even thinking about the composition, which is also in line with my imperfect approach. When the images are to be processed I go into a meditation-like state where I often bring thoughts from the meetings with the therapist and always with a melody and lyrics in my ears, which reach my feelings.
Trying to find a personal expression is important to me. Although I have developed a lot as a photographer in recent years, I am still discovering new ways of expression. Not least through inspiration from artists such as Anders Petersen, Michael Ackerman, Antoine d'Agata and Nan Goldin. I consider them all to be masters of creating an emotional presence in their images.
In the contemporary art scene, I challenge the viewer to stay and listen to art and explore life. The art scene may seem somewhat difficult to charm, since most visitors have learned to consume impressions quickly, and stop to view the artwork for less then five seconds, if they stop at all. Visitors can also be quick to classify what they see through statements such as "Is this art?" How does my oeuvre relate to this? Contemporary art contains thoughts on acceptance and inclusion. Thus my hypothesis is that every viewer comes to the exhibition with baggage of their own experiences and feelings that I then want to use my artistic platform to make them stay a second longer, go from looking, to feeling, and then to listening to the art. When my photo series is used to raise questions about behavior, fears and prejudices, I add value to the contemporary art scene.
In the spirit of a true imperfectionist, I would like to conclude by stating that this Artist Statement is not permanent, not finished, nor perfect.
/To be Continued