by Eyes as Big as Plates
– Eyes as Big as Plates # Agnes II © Karoline Hjorth & Riitta Ikonen
– Eyes as Big as Plates # Velkkari © Karoline Hjorth & Riitta Ikonen
The first time I saw Eyes as Big as Plates and its many amazing photographs of elders set in nature, wearing materials from the earth, blending with the earth, sometimes half lost in moss or pond, I was completely stunned and awed by all of it. Learning that the artists are a Finn, Riitta Ikonen and a Norwegian, Karoline Hjorth explained a lot behind my feeling of a deep connection to the images – our Nordic roots, folklore and nature.
Riitta and Karoline worked with volunteer elders in Finland, Norway, New York, France, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. (I must say the settings in Iceland are the most dramatic!) They captured a wonderful sense of beauty, wisdom, humour and love of adventure in these models in their various home places.
This body of work has stayed with me as some of the most exciting I have seen. I have followed their blog since and now learned that they will have their first comprehensive solo exhibition of Eyes as Big as Plates in Oslo, opening January 23rd. How I wish I could be there to see the work and meet the artists!
Many thanks to Riitta and Karoline for permission to use a couple of their photos. Congratulations on your stunning project and best wishes for your continuing successes! It would be wonderful if their exhibition were to come to Vancouver!
January 19, 2014 in Art Exhibitions, Finland, Estonia & Finno-Ugric, Folk Legends & Myths, Other artists, Photography by Marja-Leena
I too think that their work is outstanding. This Internet facility is both a boon in that it introduces us to so much to open our eyes – but it also condemns us to living with the glimpses (unless we are Croesus with a private plane!).
Olga, I agree about the internet as a huge art gallery and about the wish to be Croesus to see the real things! Thankfully the “Eyes” site does show their work quite large. Did you see the post about the printing of the photos in London?
They are huge!
Oh, I hadn’t see that link showing production and size before–interesting!
Marly, yes, it IS interesting to see the scale of the works!
Marja-Leena, Olga
Yes, it would be nice to fly after images. I rather not, as long as the climate situation is as it is. Not even if I had money.
But it is true, that size of the photo’s, or any visual images, is decisive looking at the art works. Especially in case of these portraits it would be.
I think the exhibition has been in Finland (but maybe not the big one like in Oslo), but I sure hope they would end up in Vaasa!
Vaasa Taidehalli would be a good one. Maybe that would not be as big as in Oslo, but it would be something.
About the artists. When I read about them, best thing was, that they were first working with old people and then including them in photos. It take time to know people and their ways. So that way the pictures are true portraits.
There was a similar project here with young girls, who had ended up being sent to school home (some problems in the families, or not having them at all). Photographers understood that the girls had a very low opinion of themselves, so they named the photo program “Princess”, dressed the girls in different outfits and set them most often out in the forests and fields.
The girls have been interviewed since, and their mental health has gotten much better. They start seeing hope in the future.
Ripsa, I agree with you on the environmental costs of flying, as well as to one’s pocket book, plus my knees cannot stand the long periods of sitting in those tight seats.
That project with those young girls sounds very affirming – good work on the part of the photographers!
Let’s hope “Eyes” come to Vaasa as well as Vancouver 🙂
I like these.They are life-affirming.
Hattie, ‘life-affirming’ indeed, well-said!
What a delight these photos are. Followed the link and impressed to learn models were from a senior center. How much fun it would be to participate in this; where I live, Portland, Oregon, we take ourselves far too seriously, cannot see that old people eager for more joy. Thanks for posting.
Hi Naomi! I’m so glad you enjoyed these photos. It is indeed wonderful that seniors were asked to volunteer – what fun! I’d love to participate myself if an opportunity arose.
Yes, I have loved those–and think they appeal to anyone who loves myth, nature, and the drama of human lives.
Marly, I agree. I remember you also blogged about them a while back, with a poster from Kiasma, Helsinki’s modern art museum.
That way one doesn’t have to ask permission!
By doing so, I enjoyed having the contact, even if by email! I only wish I’d done so sooner.
I remember being utterly amazed and delighted when I first found these some time ago. I’m delighted you’ve posted them here with the links to the websites.
I loved the story Ripsa told about the young girls being photographed as princesses too. The world needs far more such positive examples.
Susan, I had been wanting to do a proper post on these artists’ work for some time because I love their work so very much. Finally I contacted them to use some of their photos and I’m thrilled to have them here!
I agree that Ripsa’s story of the young girls is heartwarming.
As soon as I saw them, I assumed they were yours. I think the assumption was based on more than finding them here. Somehow they remind me of your art. Lovely.
Peter! I am truly touched and honoured that you think so! And thanks for visiting!