Eyes as Big as Plates

I've been feasting my eyes on this photo project by artists Riitta Ikonen (Finland) and Karoline Hjorth (Norway). For the past 2 years they have been photographing heroic seniors (sailors, retired agronomes, 90-year old parachuters) from their communities in incredible natural surroundings and adorned with organic garments. The characters take on a mythical quality inspired by Norwegian and Finnish folklore which is very much rooted in the Scandinavian wildlife and landscapes. I can't help but imagine their special powers and ancient wisdom.

"This blending of figure and ground recalls the way in which folk narratives animate the natural world through a personification of nature. The slippage of elderly figures into the landscapes suggests a return to the earth, a celebration of lives lived, reinforcing the link between humanity and the natural world." —Ikonen & Hjorth

This year they've taken their project on the road to New York, so keep an eye on ongoing work on their blog. A show of images from Eyes as Big as Plates is on in New York until April 6th.