Book Review: Moments Reflected by Øyvind Hjelmen
When publisher Russell Joslin began his latest venture, Skeleton Key Press, I already had an idea of the level of quality work that might come out of this enterprise. I did not know if the books would offer up only analog infused imagery, as that was not necessarily the concept and Joslin simply has an eye for extraordinary work, no matter the means used to create it. However, we do get to revel in this latest offering by Norwegian photographer, Øyvind Hjelmen and his luscious black and white film photographs, for his fifth book, and the second of a trilogy, Moments Reflected.
The beginning of this trilogy from Hjelmen initiated with the earlier, Elsewhere, a collection of similar photographs in deep, rich, black and white. A noticeable change with this second part is the addition of duotone printed plates, which from my personal feeling reflect a more personal tone reminiscent of the past, with enduring feelings of home. The images, originally created with low-tech cameras and printed in gelatin silver, provide a series of fleeting glimpses that represent experiences of memory, hope, doubt, sexuality, and occasionally fear. The images seem esoteric at first glance, but through further inspection, a familiarity begins to emerge. There’s a story told here. One that we have an opportunity to impart to ourselves in directing the heroes, villains - saints and martyrs - the narrative, and of course the ending. Another highlight for me is the mystery of what lies in the deep shadows, as these echo my own fears, yet give me the comfort of a place to hide when needed. Hjelmen’s moments may have passed, but they also tell us where we may be going, and are most certainly universal in their appeal. These are not your typical and too often seen low-tech camera images, but those that bear substance in their elusiveness, and when presented to tell their story in sequence, paint a story worthy of attention and praise. If this is the second installment, I cannot wait for the final chapter to complete Hjelmen’s trilogy.
Co-edited with Hjelmen by Russell Joslin, in what I feel is an effortless task for them, is one that simply makes sense, compliments the work, and draws you into the narrative spoken here. With an opening essay from the celebrated Norwegian novelist, Lars Saaye Christensen, Moments Reflected is a stunning journey made personal by photographs that persuade the viewer and speak softly of their hopes, dreams, and musings. A highly recommended addition to anyone’s book collection.
“[Øyvind Hjelmen’s] photographs are enigmatic. They are saturated with enigma. The formula of the enigma is as simple as it is unfathomable: there is always something absent. Øyvind Hjelmen suggests, he does not determine...”
~ Lars Saaye Christensen
Moments Reflected by Øyvind Hjelmen
SKP3 / March 2020
Essay by Lars Saabye Christensen
Edited by Øyvind Hjelmen and Russell Joslin
Designed by Kjersti Hjelmen and Russell Joslin
Translated by Øyvind Hjelmen and Mike McGurk
Clothbound Hardcover, tipped-in image
24 x 28 cm (9.4 x 11 in)
72 pages; 41 duotone plates
First printing limited to 350 signed and numbered copies
Text in English and Norwegian
ISBN 978-0-9997553-1-0
400 NOK / $40 USD / 40 EUR
Pick up Moments Reflected at Skeleton Key Press!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Øyvind Hjelmen has worked with photography for over 25 years and specializes in masterfully handprinted black and white gelatin silver prints, hand-bound artist books and portfolios, and large format unique photograms. He holds a BA in Modern Art and Aesthetics from the University of Bergen. His works have been exhibited in 15 countries and are held in a number of public and private collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Moments Reflected is Hjelmen’s fifth book, and is conceived as the second part of Hjelmen’s trilogy, which began with Elsewhere (Kehrer, 2010) and will conclude with Broken Shadow at a later date. He lives and works on the island of Stord, off the west coast of Norway, where he also co-directs the artist-inresidence program at Halsnøy Kloster, Sunnhordland Museum.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Kirchoff is a photographic artist, independent curator and juror, and advocate for the photographic arts. He has been a juror for Photolucida’s Critical Mass, and has reviewed portfolios for the Los Angeles Center of Photography’s Exposure Reviews and CENTER’s Review Santa Fe. Michael has been a contributing writer for Lenscratch, Light Leaked, and Don’t Take Pictures magazine. In addition, he spent ten years (2006-2016) on the Board of the American Photographic Artists in Los Angeles (APA/LA), producing artist lectures, as well as business and inspirational events for the community. Currently, he is also Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, Founding Editor for the online photographer interview website, Catalyst: Interviews, and a Contributing Editor for the column, Traverse, at One Twelve Publishing. Previously, Michael spent over four years as Editor at BLUR Magazine.
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