Axe, from the series Tout va Bien, 2015

JH Engström

The photographed axe gives us the impression that something just happened or is about to happen. Conveying memories and nostalgic feelings are often imbued in the work of Swedish photographer JH Engström.

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He uses his camera to reveal the loneliness and absurdity of the human condition. On a more personal level, the contradiction between city and countryside is also a keystone in his creative process. The manoeuvring between the peaceful, slow pace of country life and the stimulating energy of the city, with its many impulses, is essential in Engström’s life and photographic work. Furthermore, it is important to note that he is a pioneer in embracing ‘mistakes’ as part of his work, including photographs coming out of chance or defected in his series.

Engström documents the atmosphere of the places he photographs and plays with one of the traditional characteristics of photography: depicting reality. Yet, he escapes from the classic photographic convention of reproducing reality, ensuring the viewer realizes they are looking at a visual interpretation of that reality.

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