"I believe in respecting the Earth - and respecting everything alive." We visited photographer Kirsten Klein who has a deep reverence for the natural world. Her work is a relentless pursuit of capturing its essence through the lens of her camera.

Klein's perspective on life is rooted in a profound respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. Her images serve as poignant reminders of humanity's symbiotic relationship with nature and the imperative to preserve it for future generations.

Drawing inspiration from her upbringing near the Limfjord in Denmark, Klein reflects on the formative influence of her natural surroundings. She fondly recalls childhood explorations through meadows and forests, where she forged a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants. These early experiences instilled in her a profound sense of wonder and reverence for the beauty of the natural world.

Throughout the interview, Klein emphasizes the transformative power of light in her work. For her, light is not merely a technical aspect of photography but a dynamic force that shapes the mood and narrative of her images. Through her masterful manipulation of light and shadow, Klein imbues her photographs with a sense of drama and mystery, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound beauty of existence.

In discussing her artistic process, Klein eschews rigid planning in favor of spontaneity and intuition. She embraces serendipity, allowing her camera to serve as a conduit for capturing moments of unexpected beauty. For Klein, photography is not about replicating reality but about distilling the essence of a subject and imbuing it with personal meaning.

"When other people look at my pictures, they experience a love for nature and a love for life," Klein says. Through her evocative imagery, Klein invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation, encouraging them to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Kirsten Klein was born in 1945 in Denmark. Over the course of her career, she has garnered acclaim for her evocative black-and-white photographs that explore the interplay between light, landscape, and human presence. Klein's work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, earning her recognition as one of the most influential photographers of her generation.

With a career spanning decades, Kirsten Klein continues to inspire audiences with her profound artistic vision and unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of life through her lens.

Kirsten Klein was interviewed by Christian Lund in Mors, Denmark, in September, 2023

Camera: Rasmus Quistgaard
Edit: Nanna Rebekka
Produced by Christian Lund

0:00 Photographing nature
2:38 Being in darkness
06:55 The importance of light
10:05 In the darkroom
12:22 Shooting black and white
16:09 Thinking about death
16:58 A near-death experience
18:25 Nature and spirituality



Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024.
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling, and Fritz Hansen.

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