We are all familiar with pictures of Norway’s untouched natural landscape. Wherever man tampers with nature, the results can be much less beautiful, more unnatural, and even destructive. Where man has succeeded in harmonizing modern constructions with nature is shown by Berlin-based photographer Ken Schluchtmann in his new photograph book 'Architecture and Landscape in Norway', which appeared at Hatje Cantz Publishing Company. A somewhat unspectacular title for these spectacular insights into a world full of divine beauty.
To produce the photographs for this book, an independent project, Schluchtmann traveled over twenty thousand kilometers, passing through dramatic landscapes and profiling the innovative architecture projects commissioned by the Norwegian government in recent years along the country’s National Tourist Route: from the wildlife observation station at Dovre National Park designed by Snøhetta to the dizzying views provided by Reiulf Ramstad’s terraces at Trollstigen, and the Steilneset Memorial by Peter Zumthor and Louise Bourgeois, which commemorates the victims of seventeenth-century witch trials – just to name a few.
The magic of the photos is in part due to the fact that they were taken, in tune with the topic, naturally – without the use of artificial lighting – at dusk or beneath a cloudy sky – lending his subject matter a certain melancholy. The Berlin-based photographer Ken Schluchtmann (* 1970) is known for his signature style. Clear and cool, and sensual at the same time. At the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, his outstanding work was recognized, and he was named the Architecture Photographer of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
Ken Schluchtmann - National Routes of Norway. Architecture and Landscape in Norway. 160 pages, 100 images,
approx. € 68. hatjecantz.de
