02 april 2024, Flor Linckens
Svante Gullichsen: engaging in dialogue through the lens
The intimate and poetic landscapes by Finnish photographer Svante Gullichsen explore the relationship between humanity and nature, addressing universal themes such as resilience and human suffering. These landscapes also act as powerful metaphors for his personal journey, in which Gullichsen employs his camera as a tool in his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Through his photography, Gullichsen initiates a dialogue on mental health: a subject that remains challenging or even taboo for many. Engaging in conversation through a visual medium, using his own body, can facilitate a more accessible conversation. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental illness characterised by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions), often leading to repetitive behavior (compulsions). Currently, it is estimated that over 1 in 100 people suffer from this condition. It significantly impacts their lives and is frequently accompanied by anxiety and depression. Furthermore, individuals with mental health issues often experience profound feelings of shame and misunderstanding. OCD is a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition, and its treatment primarily focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. Gullichsen's work represents an existential journey that encourages self-discovery, acceptance and an alternative form of "healing" — from which the artist himself has also benefited. It touches on something universal, which resonates with a wider audience.
Gullichsen was born in Finland in 1994 and currently lives and works in Helsinki. A self-taught artist, his work has been exhibited at the Amos Anderson Art Museum in Helsinki, Fotografiska Tallinn, Belfast Exposed, Hellerau – European Centre for the Arts, and the Stockmann department store in Helsinki. In 2019, he received the Best Photo Award at the Helsinki Photo Festival, and his work has been included in the collection of the Finnish state.
