THE ISLANDS

This series explores the relationship between architecture and topography against the background of the settlement history of the Arctic Archipelago, Spitzbergen. "The Islands" shows individual small settlements that were mostly built at the beginning of the 20th century by hunters and trappers as well as miners. They were used for over-wintering and as shelter against bad weather. They form part of the Arctic world heritage and their architectural "style" is currently being imitated in new buildings.

In making portraits of some of these new and historical huts, I have encountered the special relationship between buildings and their surroundings. The image titles are taken from the names of the settlements or their surrounding areas.