Jess Holdengarde: A Captivating Journey Through the Lens of Nature

Our surroundings have been experiencing a significant alteration, resulting in a climate crisis. From wildfires to plastic pollution affecting our flora and fauna, various problems commonly go overlooked. In light of these shifts, several artists are producing work to illustrate the beauty and variety of nature. One individual who has taken an unconventional approach is Jess Holdengarde, a photography artist whose most recent exhibition emphasizes stability, resistance, and optimism.

The featured image is by Jess Holdengarde, with permission from Stills. All images used are authorized.

Jess is a photographer from South Africa whose work centers on the impact of image-making in the context of a crisis. Their method is to incorporate still images, sound, writing, and videos developed through sustainable practices. Their forthcoming exhibition, Glimmer, exemplifies this effort. The work was produced during their Verzasca Fotos Artist residency in Switzerland.

In the early phase of creation, Jess Holdengarde concentrated their investigation on the therapeutic attributes and folkloric customs associated with the vegetation in Verzasca Valley. Given that this was location-specific work, the photographer employed an analog camera, while the photographic negatives underwent processing using the plant and river water from the valley. They maintained a journal to chronicle their discoveries and also utilized sound recordings captured in the mountainous regions as a historical archive. In Frasco, a village in the area, Jess delved deeper into the connection between humanity and nature.

“As I journey, I take a moment to capture the reflections of the rock pools using my 35mm and 8mm cameras. The higher I ascend, the more breathtaking the pools appear, their depths increasing and the water growing colder. Recording my form against the warm stones while attempting to comprehend a physical presence, the lens and the practice during a time of heightened transformation, disruption, and crisis.” – 6 September 2024.

Jess Holdengarde

During this timeframe, the photographer also recorded the sizable boulders and the sparkle of the river, which further facilitated their documentation of the relationship with nature. This process occurred a second time, during which Jess Holdengarde explored their identity as photographers and considered how a camera can alter views and serve as a source of catharsis for personal experiences.

Upon examining their images, Jess does not merely showcase the allure of nature but also our commonalities. The stones often resemble human limbs, and conversely, while the shimmer of the water reflects the stars and the sun. While the visuals are lyrical, they also convey significant insights about our reliance on nature. The fact that these images were developed beside the rivers where the project occurred adds profound layers to the narratives. It feels as though the essence of the land and its ancestors is transmitted through the negatives to the audience.

From a photographic standpoint, the images, including close shots of Jess’ form, the stone, river, and vegetation, leave the narrative open-ended for the audience. There is no genuine distraction, as what remains is an image, somewhat abstract in some aspects, that invites contemplation regarding its significance. The monochrome palette and high contrast enhance the vibrancy of the scene. Rather than presenting us with full views of the valley’s beauty, Jess reveals merely a fragment of it, leaving the remainder to our imagination. This is an admirable approach as it enables viewers to immerse themselves and shape the direction of the narrative. In doing so, they personalize both the photograph and the story.

Jess Holdengarde’s Glimmer will be showcased from December 7 to February 8, 2025. For further details, check out Still’s website.