Book Review: “Ängelen” by Peter Wiklund
I remember when I first reviewed the work of Peter Wiklund and learned of his intentions to make his first artist monograph. We had an online review to look over some photographs, and he had the idea of making something substantial, in book form, of what he had. I liked the idea immediately, but I felt that seeing the images printed on a large scale would have a profound impact that a book might not. I still think that larger versions of his work would be immersive and intense, but after seeing his finished version of Ängelen, I'm struck by how alluring they are in much smaller form.
There's something quite special about this book–perhaps the handmade quality that abounds throughout, making it feel like Wiklund made it just for you. Honestly, though, he did just that. This is a book of photographs made by someone who doesn't just love making them; he absolutely adores it. I can only imagine the excitement of being in the darkroom and watching these images emerge.
There is a delicate nature to this book, with everything from the open stitch binding to the matte images on uncoated paper stock to the original toned cyanotype print held by the book sleeve–this is an unmistakable nod to those who appreciate the subtlety and quality of materials. The overlying virtue of the printing is also superior, with a depth in tones rivaled only by an original print. What I see here is more than an artist book; it is a photographic object of the highest order and, altogether, something I consider myself proud to own. It's precisely the kind of book I love to show others, especially those looking to make their own or further their goals in image-making—a textbook example of something pure and straightforward in its design and execution.
The images themselves come from multiple collections from Wiklund, yet are sequenced and compositionally laid out in an order that makes sense and pleases the eye from page to page. His nature studies, flanked by images of garden statues, create a mysterious and ethereal tenor throughout the book. The frequent use of solarization and negative versions of his photographs only add to the underlying darkness, and otherworldly feel as you move from through it. Added periodically are poems by Willy Granqvist (in Swedish and English) that continue to reflect the artist's aesthetic. In keeping this review short and sweet, just like the book itself, I'll let Wiklund's statement below go into better detail about the photographs themselves and the intention behind the work. Still, the overall character of this collection of words and images continues to haunt my memories (in only the best way) and is a narrative I will not soon forget.
If it sounds like I'm a raving fanboy, then I might be. This is one of the finest books I've seen and held over the past year, and I'm more than happy to share what I see and know here for everyone to learn from. The only thing left I want to know is when a second one might be coming because if this were to become a series of books, then I'd be all in. Allow yourself time to reflect upon Wiklund's photographs and consider getting your hands on this small but mighty tome. Hurry, though, as only 200 copies have been made, and he may already be running out.
From Peter Wiklund:
In the book Ängelen, I have used sculpture and nature as my subjects, with the goal of creating open, inviting images – where the atmosphere is the essential element. But even though the subjects primarily serve as tools in my creative process, sculptures depicting people have a clear connection to photographs: in both cases, it’s about capturing time. Preserving moments for the future.
The sculptures that have captivated my interest all contain some form of spirituality.
A natural and important – but often overlooked – aspect of life. When I’ve approached them, I have used an exploratory method, where I intuitively look for the parts, angles and lighting that illustrate and emphasize the spirituality. I extract a piece of the sculpture and its surroundings and turn it into an image. Not a mere representation.
I have worked in nature in the same way. I have chosen objects, environments and conditions that can visualize spirituality there as well. The elusive and uncontrollable greatness beyond matter.
The allure of the uncontrollable has also guided my choice of technique, where analogue methods with various experimental elements have given chance a significant role. A liberating way of working. Surrendering to chance is surrendering to life.
The texts in the book are excerpts from poems by Willy Granqvist (b. 1948, d. 1985).
“Ängelen” by Peter Wiklund
Pages: 48
Dimensions: 160x210 mm
Images: 34 plates
Format: Hardbound (open spine)
Edition: 200 copies + 10 limited special editions accompanied by two extra cyanotypes (size 160x210 mm) made by the artist. All books are numbered and signed by the artist.
Available for purchase Here!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Peter Wiklund was born in 1967 and lives in Stockholm, Sweden. He has a BA in aesthetics, art history, and philosophy and has been devoted to art photography since the mid-1980s. He has participated in numerous Swedish and international group shows and works as a journalist and editor, including the photo magazine Fotosidan.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
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 several fine art photographic organizations and non-profits in the U.S. and abroad. 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 Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, Founding Editor for the photographer interview site, Catalyst: Interviews, Contributing Editor at One Twelve Publishing, and the Co-Host of The Diffusion Tapes podcast.
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