The tragedy on Utøya July 22, 2011 made us all both shaken and thoughtful. A pitiful figure, who, with his supernal delusions, fantasized about depriving an entire people of their freedom – with massive bombing and deadly machine guns. But there is still beam of light over Norway.
He was the only person who achieved the boundless freedom through inflicting so much fear, suffering, pain and sorrow in just minutes and hours.
For me, as for everyone else, Utøya will forever be seen in a different light today than before July 22, 2011. The painful images I have on the retina are etched forever, but all that pain should not erase the most beautiful memories I have from Tyrifjord and Utøya. In a little while, the time will come to show us something else from this area than what a cold-blooded killer full of hatred and malice unfolded.
As a photographer, I have for 25 years been attracted to the areas around Tyrifjord and Utøya. In my daily work I have had the opportunity to travel Norway throughout my adult life. In my eyes, there is almost nothing in Norway that can compare with this magnificent landscape area, perhaps especially in winter time.
Therefore, I will use my photographs from Tyrifjorden and Utøya to create something beautiful – a poetic representation in sound and image. Provide a small respite and a beam of light, tranquility and silence – in all its wintery grandeur and splendor.
When the temperature creeps below 20 minus, I like to go here – to take in the wonderful surroundings and the special winter light that arises when the frosty smoke floats over the water.
And the snow – untouched by human hands.
WE WISH ALL OUR VISITORS A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Feature image (on top): Snowbound plant near Utøya
All photos: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life
Beam of Light, written by Terje Rakke Nordic Life, translated into English by Tor Kjolberg