Book Review: “Broken Shadow” by Øyvind Hjelmen
In full disclosure, I must mention that I’ve previously reviewed a monograph here from the incredibly talented Øyvind Hjelmen in the past (Moments Reflected, on April 5, 2020), and well, the opportunity presented itself again, so here we are. Now, I’ve always been a fan of the fuzzy, dreamy, and softly surreal photograph, so it should come as no surprise that I am an immediate fan of this work, and indeed, this new monograph from the man does not disappoint. This latest offering, Broken Shadow, picks up where Moments Reflected left off, but this time from publisher Kehrer Verlag, an icon in the world of photobook publishing. Actually, I need to back up a bit and also mention something wildly important here, as this latest is the last of a trilogy of books from Hjelmen. The first was Elsewhere, also from Kehrer, the second, Moments Reflected, from the brilliant Skeleton Key Press; and now this final chapter, Broken Shadow - again from Kehrer. So what I will tell you immediately: I HAVE to go back and get a copy of Elsewhere to complete this trilogy–yes, they are all THAT good!
So with this information, I have to say that I’m going to keep this short but sweet. The quality of design and production, the mystery and intrigue of the photographs, and the sequencing and narrative presented all continue seamlessly throughout. Seriously, the paper choice, print quality, cover stock, and image choice are all stunning. Consistency permeates every aspect of Hjelmen’s process, and I find him and his work inspirational. There is a creative spirit that lives and flourishes within him. His images are steeped in mystery and trigger the imagination from page to page.
His work reminds me of a curious human phenomenon I’ve experienced a few times in the past, where I’ve listened to someone relate a story they were not a part of as if they were actually there. It begins to beg the question: Is this all an illusion? Are we making up memories of the past in our minds? Perhaps the human brain has the ability to construct realities for ourselves that never existed. For me, Hjelman’s photographs have this quality. It’s as if he was able to capture enigmatic moments that lie on the fringes of reality. There is undoubtedly profound mystery in each one. I don’t know that we’ll ever be able to know the answer, for Hjelman just might be photography’s most sly necromancer.
Broken Shadow includes a wonderfully telling passage from Danish writer Dan Turéll, as well as an incredibly astute forward from Gunnar Danbolt, Professor Emeritus at the University of Bergen. Both are offered in English, as well as Hjelmen’s native Norwegian. I recommend a signed copy, ordered via email from Hjelmen himself: oh@oyvindhjelmen.com
“Broken Shadow” by Øyvind Hjelmen
Text by Gunnar Danbolt
Designed by Kehrer Design
Cloth hardcover with title shield
24 x 28,8 cm
104 pages
52 duotone illustrations
English, Norwegian
ISBN 978-3-96900-095-3
Avibabale for pruchase: Email the artist to secure your copy by emailing Øyvind Hjelmen! Click Here for Instructions!
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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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