Human Tonic | An Interview with Hans-Olav Forsang

• Post By: AnKaKronmüller
• Date: 21. April 2017
• Category: Interview, Photo Art

The series of photos Human Tonic highlights the relationship between the small everyday episodes and the larger existential questions. The works of the Norwegian photographer Hans-Olav Forsang challeng the viewer by arousing emotions, recognition and wonder. Ann-Katrin Kronmüller talked with him about the accompanying book, that will be published in May.

 

Human Tonic is your third exhibition project since ending your career as a documentary photographer. Now you work in your own company, which offers various approaches to visual communication. How did the decision to change come about?
I was at a point of my career where I had to make a choice. At the time, I was really happy with the situation at the newspaper. It was also a time when the newspaper business was increasing its activities, so we had an offer: If we wanted to quit, we could. I therefore had to decide what to do. If I continued, I would have to do it so for the rest of my career. The other option was to quit and try doing other things. It was a tough decision, because of the financial security that the newspaper offered me. But after thinking for a while, I decided to take the leap. So I’ve now been doing this for ten years and I don’t regret it. I always dreamed of doing more on my own projects. And Human Tonic has now been going on for four years.

 

Human Tonic is an ongoing project. How important is this process character in your work?
It’s very important. Going through the process is more important than drinking champagne when people come to see my work. During the process, there are always thoughts such as: „Is it good enough?“ „What is it all about?“ I’m always uncertain when I work with my own photographs. It’s kind of strange, but I think such thoughts are necessary, because they push you. I think, I’m a better photographer now.

How did the Human Tonic project develop and how might I image your way of working?
Four years ago, I knew that I had to start a new project, but I had no sign, no single picture, that told me: This is the new project. I then went on vacation to France with my family and was not thinking about my work, but simply took some pictures of my children and my wife. That was when I knew: This is the project, this is about me. I wasn’t just taking family pictures, this was something different. So you can say, Human Tonic is something that just happened.

 

Your photographs are reduced to basic elements, often in black and white. What is the role of the individuals depicted?
I used people I really love as actors to express something that is deep inside of me. They are models, actors and, at the same time, they are my loved ones. I’m not sure if I could take the same pictures of strangers. The pictures are very personally.

You’re using your time in Bielefeld to make a „behind the scenes“ look at proof-to-print matching. How important is preserving the project as a book for you?
I think every step and detail in the process is very important. It’s comparable with the sound of a record player. If the speakers are damaged, the sound as a whole isn’t that good anymore. That’s also why I’m here making a video along with three friends. We want to convince ourselves of the quality personally. It’s therefore a good feeling to meet so many very professional and wonderful people her in Bielefeld. I’m sure Human Tonic will be a really great book.

 

About the artist

 

Biography
1955 born in Bjerkvik, Norway
1974-1975 studies at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art, Bournemouth, England
1976-1977 studies at Konstfackskolan, Stockholm, Sweden
1977-2007 employed by the leading Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang
Lives and works in Oslo, Norway as a photographer, mentor and concept developer.

Prizes
Several national- and international prizes including „World Press Photo Award“, ”Golden Eye Trophy” and ”Childrens Award”.

More information about Human Tonic
Article about Human Tonic

 

Publikation: Human Tonic

herausgegeben von Hans-Olav Forsang, Henrik Haugan
Gestaltung von Henrik Haugan, Oslo

ISBN: 978-3-7356-0162-9