(iiii)
2022-2024

Photographic series / performance

several locations around Iceland

shot on 120 color film.

costume design: Marie-Jo Albrecht, Yupanqui Ramos, Yulong Song.

As part of SIM residency, Reykjavik, Iceland.

This series explores Norse mythology (particularly Icelandic) and its remarkable foundation in nature, both as a palpable organism and a spiritual entity. I created four characters based on the classical elements. Each respectively inspired by creatures and deities of said folklore.

I collaborated with three costume designers in Europe and China. They were asked to conceive their own interpretations following meticulous guidance, references of cinema, art, local folktales and geographical specifications. For instance, the character that represents wind was developed as a direct personification of Huldufólk “hidden people”, or elves. Due to their ephemeral and ghost-like traits. Earth, on the other hand, is based on Scandinavian trolls. While fire was inspired by the myths behind the Hekla volcano — the so-called gates of hell — and the Surtr norse underworld entity. Finally, water was re-imagined from a collection of Norse oceanic monsters, most of them Icelandic whales that resemble islands.

Once in Iceland, I brought the characters to life, amidst the Icelandic landscape, by simultaneously taking on the roles of performer (the subject) and photographer. This manner of “self-portraiture” encouraged a multifaceted dynamic where I conducted the project from all angles. In the past, I have insisted on taking the photographs myself. However, in Iceland I was obligated to work with an assistant, for the land posed too many dangers for a sole traveler. Plus the equipment and costumes were far more challenging under the erratic Icelandic weather conditions and the circumstances of the project.

The images were shot entirely in 120 color film with a mechanical analog camera and a tripod. Using existing-light only.

The project is under post-production. It will be released as a book and photographic exhibition. More info coming soon.