Borg Mesch Photography Studio – On an Anniversary and Treasures from the Archive

Presentation by Niclas Östlind, professor of photography at HDK-Valand.

When Kiruna celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1950, Borg Mesch Photography Studio presented an exhibition of nearly 350 images from Borg Mesch’s (1869–1956) extensive production. Entrepreneurial in spirit, the exhibition was also a manifestation of both the photographer and the studio, telling the story of the profession and Mesch’s many roles in the local community. Kiruna’s city archive contains images and documents that deepen our understanding of Mesch’s work and how his photographs have been used and exhibited to shape both the history of photography and the history of Kiruna.

Photographer Hans-Olof Utsi and artists Mikhail Tolmachev and Norrakollektivet discuss their ongoing projects within Kin’s multi-year initiative Borg Mesch: A Photography Sápmi During the Colonial Period, a collaboration with Kiruna Municipality’s Department of Culture and Education.

Presented in collaboration with HDK Valand Academy of Art and Design.