One with Ice
For three years,Anna Isabella Christensenphotographed herself among Iceland’s ice caves and glaciers.
Christensen is the focal point of each image; but, at times, its hard to spot her.
She blends in with the whites, blues, and dark grays present in the environment.
“One with Ice”
Yet shes always there; shes our guide to this place.
Beyond the aesthetic considerations, Christensens series explores the landscape from a symbolic perspective.
They are at our mercy.
“Surrendered to the Silence of Ice”
My Modern Met spoke with Christensen about her self-portrait series, including the story behind her most memorable image.
Read our exclusive interview below.
Surrendered to the Silence of Ice
What inspired this project?
“The Heart of the Glacier”
Walking on glaciers was even more incredible than I had imagined.
This was three years ago and I just kept working on this project whenever I had the opportunity.
The Heart of the Glacier
What’s the most memorable photo of this project for you?
“Fragile Giant”
One of my favorites isThe Heart of the Glacier.
What’s the story behind it?
So I had to remove my camera and put my jacket back on.
“Echoes of the Frozen World”
The freezing wind was going through the cave and at that point I was already really cold.
Fragile Giant
You worked on this project for three years.
How did it change since you started it?
“Symphony of Blue”
Working on this project has been equally amazing and challenging.
It requires a lot of equipment to venture on a glacier and of course I never do it alone.
So whenever I had the opportunity to go there, I took the chance.
“Ocean of Ice”
How did you sustain momentum and interest over that time?
Im still as excited about glaciers and this project as when I started.
Echoes of the Frozen World
Your portraits showcase the vast beauty of the landscape.
“Realm”
From a technical perspective, how did you make this work?
The ice caves, especially, need a lot of planning since they are crowded most of the time.
Symphony of Blue
Your series has an environmental message.
Living in Iceland, how do you see the effects of climate change firsthand?
I have definitely seen the effects of climate change firsthand, especially when it comes to ice caves.
Different glacier outlets recede by several or many meters each year.
My environmental message is about connection between a human being and massive glaciers.
I hope this project will make people feel somethingan emotional connection to these glaciers.
Because when we feel connected to something, we are more likely to protect it.
Ocean of Ice
What are you working on next?
Anything exciting you’re able to share?
I will be continuing my glacier project for as long as possible.
Realm
