Viking Magazine - April 2016 - 38

Q&A
Capturing Moments
Award-winning Norwegian photographer Andrea Gjestvang travels
the globe documenting some of the world's most prominent
political and social issues. BY CHAPIN BLANCHARD
rom capturing life's most
beautiful moments to
society's most haunting,
Ottestad-born Andrea Gjestvang
has captivated the world with
her photographs. In 2011,
Gjestvang was selected for
the Norwegian Journal of
Photography, a two-year
master class where she had
the opportunity to discuss
photography, experiment
with editing and challenge her
work method while guided by
experienced photographers and
editors. She received recognition
as one of PDN's 30 New and
Emerging Photographers to
Watch in 2012 and several
Picture of the Year awards.
Gjestvang's images tell realworld
stories with a strong
political angle, in a subtle way.
From photographing Utøya
survivors to documenting
the effects of rising global
temperatures in Greenland
to exploring the realms of
self-expression, each project
is intriguingly unique. Viking
talked with Gjestvang about
inspiration and career.
F
commitment grew, and I realized
photography was a powerful
tool to tell stories about what is
happening in the world.
Q Where do you fi nd
inspiration for different
projects?
A Mostly through following
the news and talking to people.
Often I get very upset about a
topic or event, and it might be
the seed for a new project. I also
travel a lot, and being in new
places inspires me. I am drawn
to remote places outside the
urban radio range.
Q What is your favorite
career highlight so far?
A The Joop Swart Masterclass
organized by World Press Photo
was a career highlight. My most
important and diffi cult work
was the book called " One Day
in History, " where I portrayed
survivors of the massacre
on Utøya and Oslo on
July 22, 2011.
Q How did you become
interested in photography?
A My grandmother gave me
an old analogue camera when I
was 16 or 17 years old. I built a
dark room at home and started
to photograph my immediate
surroundings. Later my social
38 VIKING APRIL 2016 sonsofnorway.com
Q What do you enjoy most
about teaching and running
workshops?
A I like to share my knowledge
and vision. Meeting young
and dedicated students is
inspiring and makes me grow
as a photographer. I think it
is important to show female
photography students that you
can be successful, dedicated,
active with kids and have a
healthy family life.
Q What are some of your
future career goals?
A I want to continue making
meaningful and important work,
and I want to publish another
book. My ultimate dream is to
be involved in establishing a
photography museum in Oslo.
Q Where are some of your
favorite places in Norway?
A I like the far north a lot,
such as Tromsø and Finnmark.
It is harsh, wild and remote,
but people are warm, and
the light is fantastic. The
Lofoten archipelago is
very special and has
breathtaking nature.
I would recommend
hiking or going by
bike in the summer.
Andrea Gjestvang's
photography explores the
intimate life and persistence
of people living in remote and
inaccessible environments.
Name:
Andrea Gjestvang
Profession:
Photographer
Hometown:
Ottestad, Norway
Book:
" One Day in History "
Instagram:
@andreagjest
Website:
andreagjestvang.com
PHOTOS BY (TOP TO BOTTOM): ANDERS KJELLESVIK, ANDREA GJESTVANG
http://www.andreagjestvang.com http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - April 2016

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