Susanna Majuri

        Susanna Majuri's photographic work, which focuses mainly on the concept of water, is absolutely otherworldly. She manages to capture strange moments, freezing time in a way that makes you more than typically conscious of what the camera accomplishes. Majuri's artist statement, overly poetic as it may be, definitely gives an apt description of her work.
        The image that attracted me to Majuri's work is the second one I have posted (Saviour, 2008), at first because it was such a strong image, then because I was curious about how she created it. Many of her images seem to be constructed in this manner (including the third image I've posted; Kaksoset (Gemini), 2009), and to be honest I am still not sure (I'm thinking anything from some talented constructions involving reflection to some serious photo manipulation but again, I really have no idea). Her strength comes from her ability to set up these odd scenarios, with a beautiful eye for color and texture, and to then capture (and freeze) the brief moments when everything comes together just perfectly. Her out of water images are equally strong (Kasvi (The Plant), 2004 being one of my favorite of her photographs overall - it's the last one I've posted), and still all reference water through color, typically in the dress of the model.
        Another thing that intrigued me about her work was the way the model's face is almost never visible; we see tangled hair, the backs of heads or features blurred by the water's surface. Whether this is intended to create a subtle entry point into the photograph, to shift focus from the young female models to the image as a whole, or to stand in for deeper subjects involving identity, it is successful on all counts.

        Majuri has created a series of beautiful and surreal images, that (for me at least) really pull the viewer in and make her want to know the whole story, then start to imagine it. Majuri says, “I want to show that one can find the fantastic from nearby. Fiction blends into our life. The imaginary is in fact actual.” I would say she is successful.

Majuri's Helsinki School page the Helsinki School is a group of photographers and videographers who have a relationship with the University of Art and Design, Helsinki, Finland, which is where Majuri has her MA in Photography.
Adler Gallery this is the gallery that represents her, there is no direct link so you will have to click "artists" at the top of the page, then her name.

both pages have (slightly different varieties of) really nice quality images of her photography.





images: helsinkischool.fi