Untitled (One) by Juho Kuva

Juho Kuva

Currently residing in: Gothenburg, Sweden

Website: http://www.juhokuva.com

Work Statement:
For me, the beauty of pictures has always been important. As a photographer the essential things like light, colour and composition are central elements in my own production. My own production, which focuses on landscape photography, has progressed towards more and more simplified photography. In addition to the traditional light, colours and composition that are basic components of my photography, the horizon, lines, silence, open spaces and large surfaces are important elements in my work. Beauty lies in simplicity, I feel. A simple landscape with plenty of open space is more appealing to me than a photo cluttered with detail and colour. In my photography I have always been interested in its linkages to reality. Apart from beauty, trying to evoke something real, tell of a moment that `really happened` and picture things that are personally important to me are important features in my work. As a summary I think that beautiful picture needs no explanation. It has earned its place with its presence.

"Beauty is based on perfection. It pierces the heart. What are we seeking for with our work if its not beauty?" - A Finnish cultural document

Bio:
I was born in Hong Kong on 6.6.1980. It is quite hard to say where or when this all started. In my childhood my father used to take a lot of photographs and these photographs my father took had a strong impact on me. Our family had a habit on getting together to watch slide shows of Finland whilst we were in Hong Kong, of Hong Kong whilst we were in Finland. Perhaps these familiar landscapes we looked at together, absent yet present, have had an important impact on my work. My fathers style is quite simple and traditional, and the photos he has taken are a beautiful documentation of the history of our family. The works of old masters of black-and-white photos such and from Sebastiao Salgado and Pentti Sammallahti made a lasting impression on me after moving back to Finland. The stunning beauty I felt to be present in their photos inspired my work. As a member of the local Photography club, I loved the traditional work with black-and-white photos in the darkrooms, fell in love and couldn`t turn back. After this it has been a wonderful journey...In fall 2005 I started my studies (MA) in School of Photography, Gothenburg University, Sweden. Our final exhibitions will be shown in the absolutely best places in Sweden like Konthallen in Gothenburg and Centrum A Fotografi in Stockholm.