In Galleries and Beer Cans: Experimental Photography in Explorations of Northern Swedish Landscapes

Abstract

This visual essay reflexively explores experimental photographic research methods. Using cyanotypes, beer can cameras, maps, and exhibitions to make physical spaces and surfaces occupied by photography tangible, I show how these methods work with traditional anthropological approaches to orient us to how local place is represented, and how this visual critique connects with the ways landscape is experienced in contrast to historical national discourses. These methods were aimed at having a better understanding of local experiences and understandings of Northern landscapes in rural Sweden.

On “Finishing”

“…As a form of auto-photography, this account lacks the call to action of photo-voice, yet Casey's images and reflections convey how subjectivity emerges through the affective relations with nonhuman others. Thus, in forging a relation of openness and curiosity with Casey, our collaboration resonates with how anthropologist and artist Flora Mary Bartlett (2021) explores how local subjectivities contrast with wider discourses on environmentalism. Her call to reimagine failure as part of the visual anthropological process urges further experiments into the generative nature of image-making practices (see also Pfister 2020, 269).…”

Freezers full of gold

“…The data for this article comes from my larger PhD project in this community in which I examined the experience of landscape and climate change (Bartlett 2020). I lived in Arjeplog town between July 2017 and August 2018, conducting ethnographic fieldwork including participant observation, formal interviewing, informal conversation, and more experimental visual methods such as image co-creation and discursive exhibition spaces to spark dialogue about landscape traditions and aesthetics (see Bartlett 2021). The extended period of fieldwork and ethnographic methods allowed an empirical understanding of freezing practices.…”

Disturbed Ecologies

“…Photography was woven into the fabric of my research methodology, involving several visual strategies from photo elicitation 2 to more experimental image production (see (Bartlett 2021). I examined ways landscape as process and spatial plane connected with photography and visual representation; the tension between landscape as lived and as captured.…”