Interview
Håkan Kvarnström
Håkan has always been inspired by the invisible. Guided by science, he is fascinated by what can be found beyond what is possible to see with the naked eye, be it distant stars or microscopic life forms. Håkans is driven by photographing nature's treasures in the microscopic world. A place where art and science meet. The microscopic world, like space, is largely unexplored and almost infinite. At least by the ordinary person because it is invisible to the naked eye. If you look around you, you see plants, fungi, birds, and other animals, but the fact is that, most of all, life on earth is microbes and cannot be seen without a microscope. Scientists estimate that there may be as many as 100 million species that are invisible to the eye.
The intricate beauty of nature's design and the delicate structures of tiny life forms fascinates me. Through his photographs, Håkan wants to create curiosity and increase awareness of the importance of this invisible world.
Håkan often photographs aquatic life forms. The fantastic thing is that the beauty of nature is in every drop of water. It can be found in lakes and oceans right where you are, and you don't have to travel worldwide to find fantastic motifs
Håkan is very involved in social media but has also participated in exhibitions in the USA, England, and Scotland.
His images have been published in several national and international magazines and journals, such as National Geographic and Discover Magazine. Håkan has competed internationally for several years and has been awarded several advanced placements and awards, e.g., in the Olympus Life Science Image of the Year Award, Nikon Small Worlds, and Close-up Photographer of the Year.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Born, raised, and living in Sweden, I have always been interested in science and technology, specifically physics, biology, and math. I am fascinated by space, the universe, and the hidden worlds among us. I bought my first microscope in my early teens and was immediately impressed by the beauty and complexity of the micro-world. It is a world hidden from most people.”
What inspires you as an artist?
“My main inspiration comes from working on the borderline between nature, science, and art. The ability to capture and represent the intricate patterns, shapes, and colors found in the natural world, both at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, makes that visible for everyone to see and reflect upon. This is a great inspiration to me. As an artist, the natural world has been my constant source of inspiration. However, the beauty and complexity of the micro-world have always captivated me, and I find myself constantly drawn to capture its intricate details and patterns through the lens of a microscope.
The ability to reveal the unseen and showcase the intricate beauty of the natural world is an awe-inspiring experience that inspires new ideas and perspectives in my art. It also allows me to present an unseen world that the human eye can't observe in a way that must be scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing. I often combine art and science to communicate the importance of scientific research and raise awareness about the natural world, the issues that threaten it, and the importance of these life forms. In addition, I aim to inspire curiosity and wonder, encouraging people to explore and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I am a photographer focusing almost exclusively on tiny or even microscopic subjects and primarily living beings from all kingdoms of life. As an art photographer, I aim to convey a sense of wonder and curiosity to my audience through micrographs. I want my images to spark a sense of wonder and inspire viewers to see the world in a new light. I want to show them the micro-worlds beauty and complexity and make them appreciate the unseen. I also aim to convey a sense of accuracy and attention to detail to show the audience the natural world's beauty in a scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing way.
Additionally, I want to spark an interest in the unknown and the possibility of discovery, inspire viewers to explore and learn more about the world around them, encourage them to question what they know, and be open to new perspectives. Ultimately, my goal is to create visually striking and thoughtful images that spark curiosity and inspire others to see the world in new ways.”
How would you describe your work?
“As an art photographer, I aim to create visually striking and highly detailed images. I use techniques such as staining, polarization, and fluorescence to highlight specific designs or features and make them more visible in the photograph. My art is focused on showcasing the unseen beauty of the natural world, and I strive to create scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing images
My photos strongly emphasize composition, color, and light, and I strive to add a surreal and otherworldly quality to them. My work is exhibited in galleries and museums and used in scientific research and educational materials. Some of them are also used for commercial or editorial purposes to illustrate articles, advertising, and other forms of media. My art aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world.”
“My art aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world.”
Which artist are you most influenced by?
“As a photographer, I am deeply inspired by the work of naturalists such as Carl von Linné and Ernst Haeckel. Their dedication to studying and documenting the natural world has profoundly influenced my approach to photography. Carl von Linné, also known as Linnaeus, was a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist who laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature. His work in cataloging and classifying the natural world has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth.
I find inspiration in Linnaeus's work and in the way it changed botanical illustration. The relationship between art and science was closest ever in the age of enlightenment. Ernst Haeckel was a German biologist, naturalist, philosopher, marine biologist, and artist. He is best known for his artistic illustrations of the diversity of life and his work on the theory of evolution. His drawings and illustrations are incredibly detailed and accurate, capturing the natural world's beauty and complexity scientifically and artistically. Linné and Haeckel combined their scientific knowledge with their artistic skills to create something beautiful and meaningful. ”
Take us through your creative process. What’s it like?
“My creative process combines curiosity, experimentation, and intuition. I start by observing the world and looking for inspiration in unexpected places. I experiment with different techniques and equipment to see what works best for my subject matter. I also like to play with different compositions, colors, and lighting to create interesting visual effects. When working on a specific project, I often have a concept or idea in mind, but I am also open to unexpected developments and happy accidents. I like to work in a way that allows for spontaneity and serendipity. I also want to challenge myself and try new things, whether working with a new subject matter or experimenting with a new technique.
This keeps my work fresh and exciting. Instead of using pencils and brushes to create my art, I use a camera, creative lighting, and a microscope's lens to capture the micro-worlds intricate details and patterns. And instead of oil paints, I use the light and color of my subjects to create my compositions. Just as a painter chooses the colors and brushstrokes to create a composition, I carefully adjust the focus, contrast method, and lighting to capture my images. Each image is a unique creation resulting from the interplay between the subject, the light, and the technical settings.
My micrographs offer a glimpse into a world usually hidden from our everyday perception. They reveal the unseen beauty and complexity of the micro-world and invite the viewer to explore and appreciate the natural world in a new light. In the same way, a painting can transport the viewer to a different time and place.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“That is a broad question with as many answers as there are artists. Whoever they may be. Artists play a vital role in any society, as they help define the culture and shape how people see the world. An artist's role in society is to create and share works that reflect, comment on, and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of their intended audience and community. Artists can inspire, challenge, and provoke thought and emotion in their audiences. Their works often serve as social commentary or explore important issues and ideas. As technology and social media evolve, how artists create and share their work is also changing. For example, the internet and social media platforms have made it easier for artists to reach a wider audience. Many artists now use these tools to create and share digital works, such as video and audio recordings, digital images, and interactive experiences.
Artists will use technology in new and innovative ways. This could include using virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies to create immersive and interactive art experiences. The use of digital platforms will continue to increase and allow artists to reach a wider audience. Also, as societies become more politically engaged, artists will likely play an increasingly active role in commenting on and addressing social and political issues. This includes using their work to raise awareness about important issues, collaborating with activists and advocacy groups, and using art to influence social and political agendas. For sure, artists will continue to play an essential role in shaping culture and society, and as they do, they will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in art.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
2022
Images from Science 3 Exhibition;
The Science Hall, New York City (June 20 - Sept 18 2022)
Elizabeth Stone Harper Gallery, Clinton, South Carolina, USA (January 20 - March 5 2022)
(https://images.cad.rit.edu/gallery2019.html)
2021
“Hope for the Future” - Science Photographer of the Year Exhibition (Royal Photographic Society)
“Bringing together science, climate and art in a stunning showcase of images.
Science and Industry Museum during the Manchester (UK) Science Festival (February 12 - February 21 2021)
Images from Science 3 Exhibition (Touring USA);
2020
Images from Science 3 Exhibition;
Baltimore, MD - Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (January 20 - March 20 2020)
2019
Images from Science 3 Exhibition;
Rochester, NY - City Art Space (1 November - 24 November 2019)
2018
Royal Photographic Society International Images for Science Exhibition 2017 (Touring UK);
London – Royal Albert Hall (12 June – 10 July 2018)
Edinburgh – City Arts Centre (31 March – 15 April 2018)
Birmingham – NEC Big Bang Fair (14 March – 17 March 2018)
Derry – Millennium Forum (10 February – 9 March 2018)
Worcester – The Hive (2 February – 18 March 2018)
