Studio Visit | Ingrid Bugge

I use my camera as a tool for research. Since 2006  I have been testing the boundaries of intimacy and human knowledge, of nature and of emotion. As a fine art photographic artist, I approach the philosophical, the emotional and the archetypal. I focus my camera in search for the essence of things: I explore the nature of form, body and human knowledge in my photography, giving it a sensual dream-like feeling. My photographs are digitally edited and I approach them as digital paintings, using light, texture, material elements, space, movement and form in order to reveal the essence of my chosen subject. As a photographic artist my study through the camera transcends the moment of photography and captures the viewer, inviting them to share this dream reality I create.

Tell us a little bit about your work.

The human body – its movements and subjective stories – is my artistic passion. I mirror what I see and thus I must feel and understand before creating my own interpretations. In my art projects, I always start by examining the subject – the scientific subject as well as the subjective and personal subject. I collect motifs and textures with my camera. In Photoshop, as I work with different colour schemes and play with textures, I create my own visual universe in my photographic collages. I paint with my camera. My work is inspired by the renaissance painters refined techniques – with a focus on the classic structure of background, middle ground and main subject. I am amazed by their ability to manipulate light and darkness as well as their passion for dense expression. This is why I use the dramatic effect of contrasts when I create shapes and narratives in my photographs.

Can you touch upon your creative process and what inspires you?

The poetry I find in the interaction between storytelling, subtle moments with dancers and patterns that show me that I as a being am mirrored in so many ways, even in the galaxies far from earth, I find that stars are growing and born in almost the same way as we are.

Does your hometown influence your work? If so, how?

I live in Copenhagen and work with many science institutions and the Royal Ballet which greatly influences my work. 

Do memories play a part in your creative process?

I play a part in my creative process. I can only create something that I find within myself. 

Do your travels inspire you? 

Traveling is very important to me, it is my gasoline that moves me towards new directions. I often times force myself to begin new projects after traveling. 

For you success is:

Success for me is the completion of a wonderful process which is followed by an exhibition that has an affect on people. I am so grateful when people respond to my art.