Ville Varumo is a Finnish photographer and Sakke hytönen is a Finnish stylist and fashion editor. They have collaborated together for over 10 years, and this time they got help from John Sjöholm, a long time friend of Ville as the model.
How did you choose to interpret the theme of Transformation in your story?
— By sitting back and watching my long term friend John fall asleep on a bed. We chose to create a space where sleep is seen as a vessel to transform into the existing, exhausting world.
— Maybe it’s an ode to a 4-day work week, a long holiday or maybe even death.
Why is this angle/interpretation important right now?
— We live in a prolonged state of emergency, waiting to go back to “normal”. Before that happens, a little bit of rest for a year or two would be nice.
Tell us about the production; where did you shoot and why?
— We wanted to find a clear, minimalistic and intimate space with a beautiful wall colour and fell for this bedroom with its pale green walls and warm light coming in through the window.
What was the most challenging part of this production?
— To get John into a resting state. We talked, goofed around and tried various things. Ironically, in the end, the transformation required time — the lack of which we were examining.
What was the most rewarding part of this production?
— To see John fulfilled with peace and calm.
What is the most important issue to focus on in the immediate future?
— Slowing down the economy and having the courage to take steps back.
