“We See Less Even Though We See More”: Erik Östensson On Our Societal Consumption Of Images

How would you characterize the imagery in your new photo book, Untitled?

When people ask me what kind of pictures I do, I usually tell them I do still lifes. Then they understand that I do not capture images in the moment, but rather, create images that I photograph. My motives often consist of capturing everyday objects and parts of the body that we all look at all the time—the closer, the better. Hands are a great example of this, so that is why they are one of the most frequent motifs in the new book.

The publication deals with themes of perception and meaning with regard to our relationship with objects and nature. What intrigues you about this intersection?

We consume and have access to more pictures than ever before, but I wonder if this hinders us from actually looking at the pictures. In a way we see less even though we see more. In my latest work I want to encourage the viewer to do the opposite. I believe looking at something carefully and for a long time creates the opportunity to see something anew. The object will then connect stronger to the viewer and the contact with our surroundings will change.