Emma Hartvig (b.1990) is a photographic artist best known for her portraits of women. The work is highly influenced by her desire to understand the parallels between solitude, intimacy and identity - through her use of the cinematic, performative and theatrical. An extensive interest lies in the public versus the private persona, and the different ways we reveal and conceal ourselves.
The figurative elements of her work is an ongoing study of the power and complexity in female representations, with an attempt to remove stigma and sexualization around nudity, and put focus on women's own self-perception and their inner lives.
Born and raised in Sweden, Hartvig moved to London where she completed a BA in photography at University of the Arts. She lived in Berlin, Paris and Copenhagen, and spent a major part of her early 20's in Los Angeles - places that influenced her work deeply. Eventually she settled in Vienna, where she currently works on long term projects with the women of the city. Hartvig’s work has been exhibited in Milan, Vienna, London and Bratislava - with two upcoming solo shows in the U.S in 2025. Her work has been published in L'oeil de la Photographie, Fisheye Magazine, Zeit and AnOther, amongst others. She was included in Rizzoli's book "Pools" (2020) and Hatje Cantz "The Swimming pool in Photography" (2017).
Emma Hartvig's photography, with its cinematic quality and keen eye for detail, narrative depth, and emotional resonance, captures more than just moments; it delves into the stories behind the subjects, often with a profound commentary on the political and social roles of women. Hartvig’s work, characterized by its aesthetic finesse and thematic boldness in addressing nudity, offers a compelling exploration of femininity, identity, and the dynamics of power and vulnerability, making her a notable voice in contemporary photography.
Through meticulously staged scenes that resemble stills from a film, Hartvig’s photographs transcend mere visual appeal, inviting the viewer to engage with the underlying stories and themes. Her subjects, always women, are portrayed in ways that challenge conventional perceptions and highlight their complexity, strength, and agency. By doing so, Hartvig contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender equality, feminism, and the roles women occupy both in the private sphere and the public domain.
Hartvig’s approach to depicting women eschews stereotypical portrayals, opting instead for a nuanced representation that acknowledges the multiplicity of women’s experiences and identities. Her photographs often depict moments of introspection, intimacy, and interaction that hint at the broader socio-political contexts influencing women’s lives.
Text written by Anne Avramut (Curator and Director of Galerie Michael Bella)
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