Claude Monet (French central figure in Impressionism, 1840-1926) often described his view of landscape and how light and atmosphere affect the experience of the subject:
“For me, a landscape is not permanent, because the appearance changes every moment. The surrounding atmosphere brings it to life – the air and light that varies continuously. For me, it is only the surrounding atmosphere that gives the object its real value.”
The quote captures the essence of Monet and contemporary artists philosophy; believing that the beauty of nature is dynamic and constantly changing, making every moment unique. By capturing these changes on canvas, he created works that invite the viewer to see the world in a new way.
This also applies to a high degree to a landscape photographer who “paints with lig with his ht”. The photographer captures the subject with his photographic equipment; analog or digital and later completes the finished photograph in the darkroom or on the computer. Some photographs taken from the shores of Hanö Bay a few days in early January illustrate what Monet means:
The changing nature of landscape and its atmosphere can definitely affect our relationship with places in several ways. When we experience a landscape in different light conditions, weather and seasons, we can gain a deeper understanding of its character and beauty. Each visit can feel unique and personal, creating a sense of intimacy with the place.
This dynamic can also lead to an increased awareness of the present. When we see how quickly a landscape can change – from the sparkling light of a sunny day to the mysterious atmosphere of fog or snow – we are reminded of the cycles of life and our own relationship to time and space. It can encourage us to stop and really observe, creating a deeper sense of presence.
In addition, the emotional response that a changing landscape evokes can affect how we connect to specific places. A particular view at sunset can be forever associated with a sense of calm or nostalgia, while a stormy day can evoke feelings of drama and energy. In this way, our experience of nature can become part of our personal story and our memories.
The ever-changing nature of landscapes can not only enrich our experience of them, but also help us develop a deeper relationship with the world around us, learning to see and appreciate the subtle nuances of our surroundings.
In recent years, we have had the privilege of following nature’s constant changes at the Bay of Hanö. Something that we try to convey in our photographs.