Svante Gullichsen: engaging in dialogue through the lens

 

 

Gullichsen uses the landscape, especially the rugged and pristine nature of the Finnish Porvoo archipelago, as a canvas to illustrate his personal quest for understanding and harmony. These images remind us that nature, in all its beauty and cruelty, can mirror our own inner worlds. Gullichsen's work is currently on show in the dual exhibition 'Tender Moments' at Galerie Helder (until 27 April 2024), alongside the work of Spanish artist Andrés Gallego.

Gullichsen's images are predominantly self-portraits, but the artist will occasionally feature models as well. He sets his characters against the majestic backdrop of nature, creating a palpable contrast between the vulnerability of the naked body and the overwhelming force of the natural elements. By literally placing his own body in extreme conditions, he prompts us to reflect on the fragile yet resilient nature of the human spirit. Simultaneously, the works speak to authenticity, purity, and the essence of the human experience, stripped of all artificial layers.

 

Through his photography, Gullichsen initiates a dialogue on mental health: a subject that remains challenging or even taboo for many. Engaging in conversation through a visual medium, using his own body, can facilitate a more accessible conversation. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental illness characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), often leading to repetitive behavior (compulsions). Currently, it is estimated that over 1 in 100 people suffer from this condition. It significantly impacts their lives and is frequently accompanied by anxiety and depression. Furthermore, individuals with mental health issues often experience profound feelings of shame and misunderstanding. OCD is a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition, and its treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. Gullichsen's work represents an existential journey that encourages self-discovery, acceptance and an alternative form of "healing" — from which the artist himself has also benefited. It touches on something universal, which resonates with a wider audience.

Visually, his work references a Nordic aesthetic but also draws on Greek mythology and German Romanticism, including the works of Casper David Friedrich. Moreover, his work is distinguished by a powerful contrast between light and dark. Gullichsen's compositions are staged on location with minimal intervention.

 

Gullichsen was born in Finland in 1994 and currently lives and works in Helsinki. A self-taught artist, his work has been exhibited at the Amos Anderson Art Museum in Helsinki, Fotografiska Tallinn, Belfast Exposed, Hellerau – European Centre for the Arts, and the Stockmann department store in Helsinki. In 2019, he received the Best Photo Award at the Helsinki Photo Festival, and his work has been included in the collection of the Finnish state.