"In Conversation" - JH Engstrom at the National Media Museum

In Conversation - A meeting with JH Engstrom
National Media Museum, Bradford 22-03-11

http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/Events/FromBackHome.aspx

Upon hearing that both JH Engstrom and Anders Peterson, photographers that had collaborated on a project entitled, "From back home" were going to be talking about their exhibition in Bradford I was incredibly excited. When I first viewed the exhibition last year it had a profound effect on me - the work of Peterson in particular was very interesting. I found the exhibition truly inspiring and their lack of following photographic technical conventions (such as mixing black and white images with colour in the same collection) was refreshing to see. The chance to meet two such prolific and renowned artists was very exciting and I was interested to discover what they would discuss.

http://www.brosteanu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/anders_petersen_jh_engstrom.jpg

Prior to entering the talk, we were informed that Peterson would not be available to talk due to illness. This was somewhat disappointing as I had felt more of a connection to his work, however I was aware that he had mentored Engstrom, therefore he would be capable of informing us of some of Petersons methods and approaches. The theatre in which the talk was held was fairly small and intimate and there were only a few members of the public present so the whole talk was quite relaxed and informal.

http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/nmem/exhibitions/frombackhome/images/frombackhome.jpg

Engstrom began by talking about his photographic career, his influences behind "from back home" and some personal issues that inform his approaches to photography. He then showed a series of images from a not-yet published book "Wells" centered around the birth of his twins. It was interesting to see a preview of some new work, as it was quite different to his previous projects. It seemed a lot more personal and ethereal, almost organic. Engstrom then showed the video piece he made about Petersons work and life and most importantly, their relationship as both master and protegee and also as friends.

Image from new series, "Wells"
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3715611071_c8752564f8.jpg

Engstrom spoke about Peterson in a clearly incredibly sincere way. The two photographers are very close and most of the talk was centered around their relationship and the personal struggles with their work and approach. Engstrom was suprisingly open and honest about his own feeling towards his work - the doubt he feels and his desire to be recognised. It was inspirational to hear a photographer talk about himself in a sincere way, almost as if he was sharing his burdens and secrets. Although Peterson wasn't present, Engstrom was able to provide lots of information about him and his career. Although the talk was both refreshing and inspiring, Engstrom talked a lot about his personal life and his and Petersons emotional connections to thier images and it would have been nice to hear him talk about the production of the work and their different photographic approaches.

Below is an interesting article in which JH Engstrom discusses his new book, "Wells"

http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/2010/08/13/a-chat-with-jh-engstrom/