Stories on Creativity: Lasse Lecklin

Photographer Lasse Lecklin has always been enchanted by the world, which he now explores from two different viewpoints: as a photojournalist and photographic artist. Lecklin is currently working closely with a climate change research team, and hopes that his images can offer people a deeper understanding.

"Combining art and science is extremely inspiring."

“I LEARNED TO READ and write at a very young age, and started my first magazine when I was six. As my friends couldn’t write yet, I got them to draw cartoons. We interviewed ice hockey player Teemu Selänne asking him whether he had pets, about his favorite music, and whether he thought it was fun to be a celebrity. Already back then, I was curious and interested in the world around. I went on to study at Kallio Upper Secondary School of Performing Arts, which was definitely the right place for me.

I had three career options to choose from:  journalist, press photographer or filmmaker. In 2003, I started my studies in photojournalism at Tampere University. The program was new, attracting around two hundred applicants of whom only six got in. The university had a good vibe, but the studies themselves didn’t meet my expectations. I began to work alongside studying, and gradually noticed I was spending most of my time on trains. It dawned on me that a minor in the History of Photography at Aalto University would fit the picture rather nicely.

At Aalto, I delved into studies in History of Art and Photography Theory, with photography gurus regularly visiting the school to teach us. I knew this was where I wanted to carry on, so I applied and got accepted to the Department of Photography.

I spent a great deal of time on study exchange periods abroad. I studied at Konstfack College of Arts and Crafts in Stockholm in 2009. The school ran five galleries, so there was a constant whirl of openings meeting new people. The École National Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris had a strong focus on a conventional, rather clichéd artist mentality, forming a bit of an art bubble. At the New York School of Visual Arts I saw American marketing tactics in practice.

Getting to experience different institutes brought things into perspective: Aalto University offers top-notch teaching and facilities, dedicated teachers and staff, and the resources available for photographic art are of outstanding quality.”

Lasse Lecklin’s working days alternate between editorial and advertising shoots and personal art projects.

“TAKING WEDDING PHOTOS and portraits or having my own studio have never even crossed my mind, as I’m more interested in the world around and its phenomena. That’s why I have my own workroom rather than an actual photography studio. I prefer shooting on location. I don’t want to get stuck on one thing, but to travel and meet people instead.

After working as a press photographer for twelve years, I realized that, over and over again, I was taking the same portrait of a middle-aged woman telling the story of her newfound identity or happiness. What else was out there? Should I do my own thing?

I held my first private exhibition three years ago. Now, I’ve held three, with another two in the pipeline for 2015 and 2017.

When I’m asked what it is that I photograph, my usual answer is: people, food and reportages. These are after all what I get paid to do. If I don’t get paid, I’ll leave these subjects aside, preferring to focus on concrete, landscapes, night scenes and neon lights. I’m fascinated by the built environment and particularly by the relationship between humans and nature; the consequences of our actions and our achievements.

To put it simply, climate change fascinates and horrifies me in equal amounts. For a number of years, I’ve collaborated with an international research team that studies climate change. The idea is to blend art and science, and think about ways to develop art that involves scientific reasoning. Together with the research team, I’ve travelled with my camera to Finnish and Norwegian Lapland and Svalbard in Norway. Our most recent trip resulted in an exhibition called Expedition, examining the relationship between people and nature and its environmental repercussions.

Delving into climate change and getting to know researchers in the field have made me see that people don’t really understand the threats to our existence. This is something I want to emphasize in my work.

I find a sequential, systematic approach that methodically captures a particular theme appealing. Where a one-off photograph creates an impression, a series of photographs turns the spotlight on the subject. Sequentiality is also a way of organizing, attempting to understand the world around, and talking about issues without preaching down at anyone. I show and wait for viewers to understand.

My latest series focuses on European nuclear power plants. The ensuing exhibition The Most Beautiful Nuclear Power Plants in Europe will be opening in Turku and Helsinki in November 2015 before heading for other parts of the world.”

“NOW THAT EVERYONE owns a camera and takes photographs, there’s a lot of talk about the role of a photographer. Free newspapers get filled with readers’ photographs without pay. Decent amateur photographers are trying to get their shots published against a modest feel. What can real photographers do in this situation? How are they different from amateurs?

In my mind, there’s a clear distinction: professionals photograph less and are extremely choosy about where and how their work is displayed.

I don’t necessarily have my sights on becoming a world-renowned photographic artist, but I would like some people to be impressed with my work and make them see things differently. Making a living on photography wouldn’t be too bad, either.”•

Favorite Things

1 “Multidisciplinarity. Collaboration between art and science and blending different art forms is fascinating and inspiring.”
2 “NISI MASA – Network for Young European Cinema, which I co-founded. The network intends to support and provide a meeting
   point for young creators.”
3 “Travel. A person can’t be truly happy until the next trip is booked.”
4 “People. I love working by myself doing my own thing. Yet the best part about my work is people. I’ve had the chance to work
   and become friends with some amazing personalities.”
5 “Living abroad. It has brought new experiences and shed new light on my relationship with Finland. We have it so well here!”

Traces left by humans in Norway’s Svalbard is the subject of Covering series (2014). Sarkofagen (left), Svedruphamaren (right),
by Lasse Lecklin.

Profile photos by Maija Astikainen