A collection of 35mm film street photographs, captured with a Pentax ME, Canon AF35M and Voigtlander Vito CLR, showcases people in urban environments in Sweden, particularly around Stockholm. Many of these images are steeped in skateboarding and board sport culture. I find it engaging to document people in their everyday lives, especially when they are engaged in activities they love — whether it's skateboarding or surfing — fully immersed and connected with others.
⎯ The skateboarding culture fosters an incredible sense of community, promoting health, encouraging continuous learning, and facilitating invaluable connections with people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise. I'd say it's a unique community in the modern city where your level of skills, age, ethnicity, and other social contexts play no role whatsoever.
Beyond skateboarding, my collection delves into the hidden and remote corners of the city, often adorned with graffiti and street art. Graffiti, much like skateboarding, serves as a form of creative expression deeply rooted in urban environments. While I may not endorse public graffiti, I acknowledge the artists' intention to communicate through their designs. Graffiti undeniably influences graphic design and contemporary typography, offering a refreshing departure from the digital perfectionism prevalent in social media. A prime example of this fusion is the collaboration between Lykkekaffegårdar and Open Studio, where branding, graffiti, and graphic design all together creates a unique expression.
Exploring these hidden spaces and immersing myself in the sounds of city life evokes both fascination and humility. Amidst the chaos, these places exist quietly, waiting to be discovered. When I'm out with my camera, entering these spaces feels like capturing a moment frozen in time, transforming the ordinary into something artistic. Documenting the contrast between these rough spots and the refined elegance of Stockholm's finest architecture and art scene, is truly captivating.
⎯ It's a journey through different social classes without passing judgment on what constitutes 'good' or 'bad' design. Ultimately, it's about people, creatives, and artists expressing themselves through design, regardless of context.
Photography, especially with film, offers a profound way to connect with the world. Viewing life through a camera lens sparks curiosity and reveals perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden. It’s a creative practice that brings you into the present moment, making you feel fully alive while opening doors to new places, people, and emotions.
Color developer (C41) – Fujifilm FP363SC, chemistry Fujifilm CN-16S. Black and white developer Ilford Ilfolab FP40, chemistry Ilford Developer Ilfotec RT Rene, Fix Ilford Hypam. Film scanner Fujifilm SP-3000.
A special thanks to Odenlab.
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