malin barth

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Essay for the exhibition catalogue ONE by Malin Barth
Malin Barth holds a Fine Arts degree and a Master in Arts Administration with art history.
She is a curator with an emphasis on photography, and has curated and written
on various artists such as Edward Weston, Tina Modotti, and Andres Serrano.

Is her name Red?

The large-scale pictures by Anne Katrine Senstad are not images of objects, surroundings or situations, set in perspective or time,
which usually is associated with the photographic medium. Her abstracted work is divergent from the dominant traits of today’s
photography with accessible content driven images, and visual narratives. She exposes the sense of something timeless yet newly
discovered. Added dimensions appear, aspects of which we are part of without being continuously pensive of. Perhaps the images
can be seen in the light of the Renaissance window where facets were hidden from plane view. The work represents her investigations
into recreation and visualization of “the experience of sensations of the senses.”

Senstad’s pictures are beautiful, but not pretty. They look harmonious, and the harmony can be defined as pleasing arrangements of
parts. In this work it be music and color. The images portray great control. On one hand they stand for movement, balance, and quietude,
while at the same time expressing infinite energy. Her focus on capturing and presenting light and sound waves, both provide
nourishment for the senses and the intellect. Senstad voice: “The juxtaposition of sound and light evolve when working with the
elements that are infinite and elusive, yet are decipherable through the physics of photography, and the notion of science and mathematics.”

Color and sound is essential in the world in which we live. Objective information is only one aspect of what they give us. They can
shape thinking, change action, and affect our frame of mind. Senstad’s photographs project a sense of decisive timing, and have a
vibrant life because the colors are active and physically present. They are the desired sample of the pull - push effect. Color in the form
of visible light and sound waves were seized by the camera the moment they triggered the feeling the artist sought to feel, and wanted
to convey. One of the essential intentions of art can be attributed to the balancing act between physical fact and psychological effect,
which is mastered in this exhibition, entitled ONE.

As a fundamental form of communication, color is exceptionally unique. The perception of color can be approached from several
disciplines: art, philosophy, psychology, science, physiology, and so on. The viewer observes the picture and infuses the image
with his/her own emotions based on his/her experiences, and cultural as well as geographical background. In regards to interpreting
the photographs from The Light Panel Series and The Essence of Light & Color Series, consideration should clearly be given to
colors attributes and symbolism. But color representation is not absolute. A range of factors determines the viewer’s reactions to
Senstad’s color images. Studies reveal that any given color have more positive connotations connected to it than negative, and
even if the same color might have a couple of negative associations, those are normally only being triggered under defined
circumstances. The attributes given red could be listed as: aggression, danger, desire, energy, excitement, heat, intense, love,
passion, power, while the characteristics of blue could read as follow: calm, cleanliness, cold, confidence, conservatism, depression,
harmony, loyal, order, security, stability, tranquility, trust, and truth. Research also indicates that our gender play an intricate role in
how we react on colors. Light or dark color is equally appreciated, while the difference lies in whether the light or dark colors are
soft or bright. The preference among men is for brilliance and brightness, while women opt for the softer side of colors.

Senstad open additional unsuspecting doors of “the experience of sensations of the senses,” if the work crosses it’s intended
geographical and cultural borders of the Western World. Blue is categorically considered the safest global color. Color symbolism
can vary dramatically between cultures; because we are raised reading colors in accordance to our culture. Since the interpretations
still differ in our globalized world, the psycogeography of the color red in India for example maintain its valued representation of purity.
Anne Katrine Senstad’s photographs succeed in visualizing a universal language, open to individual voices, and giving us a feeling
of being everywhere. This work enhances one’s appreciation for the infinite sensations that color, light, and sound bring about.