Exploring the Depths of Human Expression: A Conversation with Swedish Documentary Photographer and Filmmaker Sara Herrlander
We sat down with a Swedish documentary photographer, visual artist, and filmmaker Sara Herrlander who is based in Berlin to delve into her creative journey, influences, and aspirations.
Capturing the Essence of "Home" A career marked by remarkable achievements, Sara has been actively collaborating with contemporary dancer Sebastian Abarbanell. Their ongoing project, the acclaimed production "Home," has been a focal point for the past three years. This collaboration is not just about capturing movements but delving into the emotions and thoughts that the human body can express. In November 2022, the artist exhibited a selection of their series alongside a durational performance by Abarbanell at the Exgirlfriend contemporary art gallery in Berlin.
From "WERY WOR" to "Fäboden" Other career highlights include the participation in the group exhibition "WERY WOR" at Exgirlfriend Contemporary in 2023. Additionally, the artist showcased their ongoing documentary series, "Fäboden," for the first time in Berlin at Küehlhaus Berlin last year. These exhibitions are windows into the artist's exploration of diverse human experiences, from the introspective and melancholic nature of Swedish summer habitats to the vibrant and uninhibited queer scene of Berlin.
Inspirations and Influences
When asked about her greatest inspirations and influences, Sara paints a vivid picture of her creative philosophy. Focused on rediscovering the human body as a neutral and gender-fluid vessel, she finds inspiration in skin and nudity as expressions of comfort, closeness, melancholy, and freedom. Nan Goldin and Ryan McGinley stand out as influential figures, but the artist emphasizes that the greatest inspiration comes from the people around her. Sara’s portfolio is a testament to the power of genuine connections and authentic dialogues.
A Curious and Anxious Creative Process
Describing her creative process as random and dependent on curiosity and anxiety, Sara reflects on their journey of self-discovery. Initially using the camera to ground herself, the artist struggled to define their fingerprint in the art world. Now, looking at their portfolio, a defined color scheme and a focus on naturalistic, fragile expression emerge. However, what stands out the most is an ongoing honest conversation—a dialogue that captures the intimate, unguarded exchanges with the surroundings.
Looking Forward: A Year of Vulnerability
As the artist looks ahead, their creative process remains dynamic and unpredictable. They express a desire to dig deeper, make herself and others more vulnerable, tackle more challenging topics, and overcome fear. This year is envisioned as a journey into uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and fostering even more profound connections with the subjects.
How did 2023 change your creativity?
2023 was a year of traveling, connection and inspiration. I achieved more than I have in a long time and at the same time it was hard to find the mental space to truly embrace and digest what I accomplished. Life was changing course and focus with every other month. This year my aim is to take all of that beautiful randomness and all those important new encounters and direct them towards conscious goals. To be less scared of articulating my ambition to myself and others (a very unswedish thing to do).
In Sara Herrlander ‘s world, each click of the camera is a moment frozen in time, capturing the nuances of human emotion and experience. Through her lens, we witness not just images but a profound and ongoing conversation that transcends the boundaries of art and reality and as she continues to explore the depths of human expression, we eagerly anticipate the stories Sara will uncover and the emotions they'll unveil in the years to come. Thank you for joining us Sara.
portfolio: www.saraherrlander.com
Courtesy of the artist