Under the Surface, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Henna Aaltonen’s collection of 21 photos documents her experiences from around the globe.
In her exhibition, the professional photojournalist explores the feeling of being an outsider, a tourist. “I find it relaxing to take my small camera without thinking I’m working,” says Aaltonen, who has a romantic idea of travelling far away, learning something new about herself, about life and other people.
The photos are a reflection of experiences where melancholy and humor are also present. “The shots are not supposed to be perfect, they would lose the feeling of being a tourist,” she explains. Still, she cannot hide her professional eye. The compositions speak of silent curiosity, yet keeping distance from the people who become part of the scene rather than main characters.
| Life as a Tourist at NAPA Galleria until 1 March Eerikinkatu 18, Helsinki Wed-12-18, Sat-Sun 12-16 www.hennaaaltonen.com www.napagalleria.com |
Aaltonen explores and wonders about the motives behind people travelling to certain places, doing the same things. What is there behind the tourist attractions? Her life as a tourist tells about someone who can’t be part of the world she visits. “People are strangers, you can’t connect with them,” she says, a feeling reflected with a subtle exposure of people’s backs or bubbles between the lens and the face of the boy in Bubble Boy.
Bubble Boy, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Susan Fourtane – HT
Henna Aaltonen – Images
Susan's Writings 