The photo series Blyertspenna by fine-art photographer Eva Vei revolves around her relationship with her cousin Kristina, a young woman on the autism spectrum who communicates entirely non-verbally. The project, realised partly in Sweden and partly in Greece, not only provides sensitive insights into Kristina’s everyday reality but also documents the bond between the two women and can thus be interpreted as a collaborative element in building their relationship. The pencil, the protagonist from which the work takes its name, is a recurring presence in virtually all the photos; playing the role of a repurposed object, it seems to have a calming effect on Kristina. The tension between looking and showing that is inherent to photography as a medium is presented here as a silent dialogue, perfectly reflecting the character of this largely non-verbal exchange. The observer’s situation, in particular, evokes a sense of intimacy with the subject being portrayed, while at the same time revealing a relationship that is diametrically reciprocal. Kristina’s way of communicating eludes customary patterns of social coding and displays an openness that allows a variety of interpretations. Here Vei not only creates a respectful portrait of a person she is close to but also opens up a visual space in which social awareness of people on the autism spectrum can be recontextualised.
Website:
Online Artist Talk | Blyertspenna
Artist Eva Vei in conversation with Giulia Cramm (curator of Wüstenrot Documentary Photography Awards, Wüstenrot Foundation) on her ongoing work series ‘Blyertspenna’. The pre-recorded talk (in English) can be viewed here for the duration of the festival.
The photo series Blyertspenna by fine-art photographer Eva Vei revolves around her relationship with her cousin Kristina, a young woman on the autism spectrum who communicates entirely non-verbally. The project, realised partly in Sweden and partly in Greece, not only provides sensitive insights into Kristina’s everyday reality but also documents the bond between the two women and can thus be interpreted as a collaborative element in building their relationship. The pencil, the protagonist from which the work takes its name, is a recurring presence in virtually all the photos; playing the role of a repurposed object, it seems to have a calming effect on Kristina. The tension between looking and showing that is inherent to photography as a medium is presented here as a silent dialogue, perfectly reflecting the character of this largely non-verbal exchange. The observer’s situation, in particular, evokes a sense of intimacy with the subject being portrayed, while at the same time revealing a relationship that is diametrically reciprocal. Kristina’s way of communicating eludes customary patterns of social coding and displays an openness that allows a variety of interpretations. Here Vei not only creates a respectful portrait of a person she is close to but also opens up a visual space in which social awareness of people on the autism spectrum can be recontextualised.
Website:
Online Artist Talk | Blyertspenna
Artist Eva Vei in conversation with Giulia Cramm (curator of Wüstenrot Documentary Photography Awards, Wüstenrot Foundation) on her ongoing work series ‘Blyertspenna’. The pre-recorded talk (in English) can be viewed here for the duration of the festival.
contact
office@fotodoks.de
Festival address
Architekturgalerie München
Blumenstr. 22
80331 München
The exhibition has finished and is now closed.
contact
office@fotodoks.de
Festival address
Architekturgalerie München
Blumenstr. 22
80331 München
The exhibition has finished and is now closed.