JEANETTE HÄGGLUND
FOCUSING A NEW LIGHT ON ARCHITECTURE
A Swedish photographer especially known for her creative portraiture work, Jeanette Hägglund has also established a highly regarded reputation for skillfully capturing abstract architectural elements and features. Her technique (showcased on Instagram under the name of @etna_11) in volves interpreting buildings – the whole structures, not just their individual parts – and transforming them into abstract works of art. So she considers herself to be both a photographer and an artist. Her scope also extends well beyond architectural projects, including general commissions, adverts and branding – mostly comprising studio portraits. Jeanette recalls receiving her first camera at eight years of age, and sub sequently expanding her photographic knowledge by dabbling with various different methods. Originally more into art and exhibitions as she studied at photography school, she eventually launched her own art photography business. She says her passion for photography is broad, and she constantly moves between architecture and portraiture genres. She balances a sense of rest lessness (and perfectionism) with patience, the key to being able to success fully cover such a wide spectrum of contrasting art and photography.
Understandably, light is the most important aspect of all her work, whether it is a building or a person – particularly early or late afternoon – and she also places significant emphasis on colours. With every architectural project, her goal is to highlight the individuality of the structure, whether it is a building she has discovered through an internet search, business commission or simply exploring a new city. One of Hägglund’s most prominent projects, a private commision called “Se crets” shot in 2016 and 2017, presented the work of Ricardo Bofill, who de signed the renowned Muralla Roja in Calpe (Costa Blanca, Spain) and who sadly died earlier this year. This ground-breaking contemporary architectural work combines two worlds – the Mediterranean landscape and the archi tect’s admiration for Kasbah traditions in northern Africa. The plethora of rich colours provides a strong visual impact that makes this expansive building so iconic, creating a play on shadows and colour palettes as the sun rises and falls during the day. To read more about Jeanette Hägglund’s photographic work, visit her web site: www.jeanettehagglund.se
