The exhibition brings together seven contemporary artists: Marguerite Bornhauser (France), Theo Elias (Sweden), Tom Hallgren (Sweden), Salad Hilowle (Sweden), Massao Mascaro (France), Iris Millot (France) and Ela Polkowska (Sweden). Coming from varied contexts and horizons, they share a common desire: to show something authentic, anchored in the real – an experience, a presence, a fragment of the observed world. Their practices, which are multiple, explore the potential of the photographic medium with particular attention to the materiality of the image, while also opening, for some of them, to expanded forms close to installation or sculpture.
Each, through their own language, directs their gaze towards human realities, intimate or collective. Together, their works form a space of resonances where narratives intersect, respond to one another and enrich each other.
Beyond the encounter with the works in the exhibition space, the project places essential importance on exchanges between the artists. Gathered for four days at the Swedish Institute, they will have previously taken part in a workshop conceived as a research laboratory, led by French photographer Sophie Ristelhueber, winner of the 2025 Hasselblad Award. This time of collective work and reflection opens a space of experimentation where practices confront one another, transform and renew themselves.
Thus, the exhibition is concerned as much with showing as with activating: it brings forth a network of relations made of inspiration, collaboration and transmission.
Curators: Anna Danielsson (Swedish Institute) and Stefan Jensen (Hasselblad Foundation)
In collaboration with the Hasselblad Foundation.
As part of the Bicentenary of Photography, Paris Photo and Photo Days.
Acknowledgements to the Embassy of Sweden in France. In partnership with the Hasselblad Foundation.
A very special thanks to the friends and patrons of the Swedish Institute for their generous support.
Practical information