Information

Emma Hartvig (b. 1990) is an artist recognized for her nuanced explorations of femininity. Her work is shaped by an ongoing investigation into the intersections of solitude, intimacy, and identity - often conveyed through a cinematic and performative lens. Hartvig’s practice examines how feminine archetypes have historically been represented, and how these portrayals can be dismantled, reimagined, and re-embodied through a contemporary, deeply personal perspective.

Through her imagery, she seeks to frame the tension between the private and public self - a frame that captures the desire to remain within one's own space while simultaneously yearning for connection with the outside world.

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 several cities in the United States, as well as European cities such as Milan, Venice, Vienna, London and Bratislava. Her work has been published in L'Oeil de la Photographie, Fisheye Magazine, Die Zeit and AnOther Magazine, amongst others. She was included in Rizzoli's book "Pools" (2020) and Hatje Cantz "The Swimming pool in Photography" (2017) with her acclaimed body of work "The Swimmers".

"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)

Exhibitions

Solo

2026 (Upcoming) Masks and Myths, The Hulett Collection, Tulsa, USA

2025 (Upcoming) Masks and Myths, FAS44, Los Angeles, USA

2025 Masks and Myths, FAS44, Las Vegas, USA

2023 Silent Cinema: Wiener Frauen, Galerie Salon am Schwarzenbergplatz, Vienna

Group

2026 (Upcoming) Table Manners, Barbati Gallery, Venice, Italy (curated by Pia Sophia Ottes)

2024 Persona, OFF Gallery, Bratislava

2024 (Dual) Embodied politics: women, power and public life, Galerie Michael Bella, Vienna

2024 Aesthetica Art Prize Group Show, York Gallery, UK

2022 Just Women, La Fondazione Luciana Milano, Milan