Death and the Sea I: Florence Montmare

The overarching themes of Scenes from an Island are the human conditions of displacement and transience, played out against Ingmar Bergman’s mise-en-scène, the stark cinematic landscape on the remote island of Fårö, Sweden. There, natural elements are stripped down and laid bare, allowing a contemplation of the rocks and water to function as a mirror, and in reflection, you are able to see an essence of yourself. In light of the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves today, this body of work resonates even more with me now than five years ago, when Montmare initially conceived it. Making this work came from a desire to pause and contemplate, away from distraction and convenience. Art and nature have the capacity to heal, transcend and transform. Montmare hopes these images can open up a breathing space for personal interpretations and discoveries.