​My doctoral dissertation, "Reframing an Arctic Image, Out of the Sublime," critically examines the eurocentric and dominant portrayal of sublime Arctic landscapes in contemporary art photography. In my research of contemporary visual studies I observed that many modern western exhibitions and publications feature images depicting the Arctic as vast, otherworldly, and nearly uninhabited. While these photographs are technically and artistically accomplished, I question their cumulative effect on public perceptions of the Arctic, particularly concerning its sovereign communities and cultures.

To explore this issue, I conducted an analysis of the works of three prominent international artists: Olaf Otto Becker, Camille Seaman, and Tiina Itkonen. I investigated how such photographs contribute to or challenge prevailing notions of an “otherworldly” Arctic landscape. Additionally, I connect these contemporary works to additional historic and modern artistic practices in Greenland and Nordic regions, shedding light on how past representations have shaped current, commercially successful imaging motifs.

Importantly, my dissertation was not limited to theoretical analysis but rather took the form of research-creation. Through a short period of fieldwork conducted in Ilulissat, Greenland, I explored alternative approaches to Arctic art photography. My goal was to move beyond the traditional sublime aesthetic, and offer new perspectives that could challenge an oversimplified and stereotypical, limiting view.

The use of the diptych format, shown above, juxtaposes the well known sublime with ‘everyday’ images. The diptychs challenge the tendency to view Ilulissat, Greenland as remote and isolated. It highlights that this region is inhabited by vibrant communities that can’t be reduced to pristine landscapes made by interlopers. Admittedly, the limitations of this study showed that I myself was also an interloper who hopefully draws attention to the need for thoughtful image production, circulation and collection by artists, gallerists and patrons alike.

I acknowledge that for this project I worked and studied as a visitor within the traditional lands of the sovereign Kalaallit and Inuit peoples, whose ancestors have lived and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. I want to honor their culture, history, and ongoing connection to this place.