TIMELINE
feb 2019 - nov 2019
MEDIUM
35mm film
ABOUT
In retrospect I examined my own hiking experience in the Swedish wilderness (2017). For thirty days I experienced a simpler way of living: a limited set of daily tasks, five rolls of film, no cell phone coverage or access to the Internet—a contrast to modern daily life. The primary reason of my journey was to be in the wilderness.
Two years later, the moment that I reviewed my photographs, I felt a strong urge to exhibit my work. This unique sense of determination to express my artwork becomes the starting point of this project. I went to research what was behind this specific sensation I felt after finding the fragments of my journey. In order to understand the conditions in which the photographs were taken, I went back to the work of Kierkegaard that I had carried with me during this experience through wilderness. The philosophical work of Kierkegaard not only gave an understanding of the choices that I made in order to capture these moments on film, but also in wider perspective, about choices in life.
To relate this philosophical work and the genuine, yet precious, moments has resulted into a project that is more than what meets the eye. Based on the name of Kierkegaard’s work, this project Either/Or contains thoughtfully taken moments under rough and unpredictable circumstances in the wilderness. With a couple of roll films and therefore a few shots to capture, each photo that is taken was based on a choice between either a fear of missing out on potential shots or to anticipate for deliberate moments rather than impulsive photography.
This photographic artwork was exhibited in 2019 by Idéfix Amsterdam. A personal lecture was given during the opening and closing of this exhibition, in which I shared my story of life and ethical decision making during my hike which are all captured in this project. In addition to this artwork an essay has been written about the relation between this artwork, my journey, and the philosophy of Kierkegaard for ethical choices in life.
DETAILS
60 x 45 cm
Chromogenic print, TruLife face-mounted, in artist’s frame
Edition of 5 (2 AP)
CONTACT
CREDITS
Rebecca Rui
Marcella Wong
COPYRIGHT
Melchior Overdevest 2021
