WHAT DOES THE
SNOW MAKE ALIVE?
Ludovico Einaudi and the natural shadows of Lapland
This project was developed for the photography course we took at Lapin Yliopisto University in Finland. The aim of the seminar was to create a series of photographs representing our reflections on the Lappish landscape in which we were immersed during our 5-month Erasmus stay.
During the Artic Inspiration course experience, the idea arose to reflect on how snow,
a substance that is in itself shapeless and “dead”, comes to life from the shadows of objects,
plants or living beings that are generated on it. During an excursion to the Pyhä-Luosto Nature Park,
these photographs were therefore taken, reflecting on the patterns that plants create: shadows
of different shapes, textures and densities that, infected by light, create different shades of color.
Without these shadows, snow would just be
a flat surface, lacking depth dimension.
In order to make the experience more immersive, it was chosen to accompany
the sense of sight with another sense, the sense of hearing. I personally believe
that experiences that involve several senses at the same time are incredibly more profound
and involving experiences. The track chosen was that of the famous pianist Ludovico Einaudi:
Seven days walking – Day 2: A SENSE OF SIMMETRY.
✴︎ PLAY THE AUDIO TRACK BELOW
We also set up an exhibition in the university spaces where
we had the opportunity to present the project to the class, choosing where
and how to display the photos. chose to print the photos on semi-transparent matte paper to allow light to pass through the photograph, restoring the lightness that the environment had conveyed to me during the shoot. The decision to print the photos in a single continuous
strip reflects the desire to immerse the viewer completely. At the beginning of the exhibition,
a QR code was provided to facilitate reproduction, allowing viewers to immerse themselves completely in the project.
* The idea for this project was born during an experience in the Lappish forest of the Pyhä-Luosto Nature Park.
The course, entitled ARTIC INSPIRATION, was created with the aim of immersing international students in the Finnish Lappish context,
allowing them to experience three days immersed in the authentic culture of the region. Thus, between saunas and snow baths, smoked salmon
and lunches in the Laavu forest, an authentic experience, far from the stereotypes that pollute the culture, is lived. Below are some photographs
of the context in which the project was born.
Year: 2023-2024
Laboratory: Photography Seminar