08 May 2008

invited guest: JH Engström (Shelter, part I)

I am proud to once again present JH Engström, one of the most interesting photographers in contemporary Sweden.

This time the photographs are from his first photobook, printed in 1997 and winner of "the photographic book of the year" prize in Sweden. The fascinating book, about homeless woman in Stockholm, was published in two editions, one with the Swedish title Härbärge and another with the title Shelter. Nowadays the book is sold out. If you are lucky to find it used – buy it!





About Shelter Robert Frank has stated:

"JH Engströms photographs are a remarkable
document about women of our time.
These faces – they ask no questions.
Look at the rooms – think about possessions.
These photographs tell me how sad it is.
It is mostly about the courage to survive.
A glimmer of hope despiteit all.
I can see it because the photographer cares."





In the near future two photobooks of JH Engström are to be published; CDG/JHE by Steidl and La Resicence by Journal. Search the F blog for more of JH Engström's photographs or visit his homepage. And please visit the F blog on saturday for part II of his serie Shelter.

Invited by Fredrik Skott

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are excellent photographs - what strikes me most is the concentrated expression, the interacting between photographer and subject. A master´s touch, no doubt. Thanks for being with us, it is a great pleasure!

Anonymous said...

This must be the strongest photographs I ever have seen on the F blog!

A master's touch, as ulf said, no doubt!

br said...

excellent work!! A documentary that is done with great sensitivity and awareness and that shows the strength of the women. thank you.

Fredrik Skott said...

JH! Thank you for sharing these photographs here on the F blog. It is a really outstanding serie.
All the best,
F. Skott

Markus said...

I'm s glad to see your photos here on the fblog JH. I remember the first time I found this book in a bookstore and it really blew me away. Thanks!
/markus a

Chris said...

So close and so very very strong! Photographs that really gets under your skin, and like a tatto will stay there a lifetime.

Thanks for sharing!

/Christofer

Anonymous said...

magic!

cafe selavy said...

Photographic Expressionism. Haunting.