In the Spotlight | Markus Bollingmo

For our latest installment of In the Spotlight, we sit down with 24-year-old Norwegian photographer Markus Bollingmo to learn a little of what makes him tick as he makes his first steps along the route to becoming an established photographer.  For past interviews with other young and exciting photographers, sift through the previous posts or click the links at the end of the post.  

S: Hi Markus, thanks for giving us the chance to get to know you a little better.  I see you just got back from a trip to Japan.  What were you there for and how did it go?

MB: Hello! Yes I just got back from there a couple of nights ago. I went there with some French friends here from Paris. Not really any other reason than we have all been there before and know what a special place it is. It’s so crazy over there! All you can think of is “Shit, why can’t people be more like this in Europe?”. It is so beautiful everywhere, and the people are so sweet. Western people often think Japanese are cold and hiding their emotions - which is true in a few ways, but I find more warmth and sweetness there than anywhere I have been in Europe and America. They have aesthetic sense in a completely different way than here, and they have such a relaxed relationship to new concepts and ideas. Everything is just inspiration overdose!

S: Do you get to travel often?

MB: I suppose the only regular traveling I do is when I go home to Norway to see my family and friends there, which is usually a few times a year. I am going there again for Christmas next - Norwegian Christmas is very nice! Other than that, I don’t know? Maybe I have been traveling more than most, but there are many who travel more than me. Thing is, my life is so loose and random and I never really know what will happen until they are happening. I am so very bad at planning ahead that I barely even try anymore. It has worked well for me so far in life though, I like that feeling of freedom.

SB: You’re originally from Norway, but you live in Paris now.  What makes Paris a great place for a photographer to live?

MB: Norway is very small…very few inhabitants. Before I came to Paris I lived a couple of years in Stockholm, Sweden, which is very nice, but compared to a big city like Paris it is just a little shit. When you have a big city like Paris with millions of people it is just bound to have a lot more opportunities for photographers and artists. Also, it is one of the biggest artistic centers in Europe and the world. Personally I just like the slow pace here a lot, it fits me very well. I live my life so randomly without much stress or ambition. When I was still living in Stockholm I considered going to NYC, but I am not sure that place would have been as nice to me. Paris is perfect!

S: Who and what inspire your photography?

MB: People always ask what photographers I am into and I always think “Shit, I don’t know”. I barely know of any! I never took any class or education in photography. Actually, other photographers’ works don’t inspire me much at all. I can enjoy it of course, some photographers really make me dream, but it is not what makes me want to take photos myself. Inspiration is more something that comes from real life. Like experiencing Japan, as I said before. Experiencing situations and atmospheres that have an impact on you, you know? Watching a sexy naked boy on my bed is a lot more inspiring to me than going to see an exhibition.

S: How do you meet the guys that you photograph?

MB: Most are friends and lovers that I know from elsewhere in my life. And as my photos are online I get contacted sometimes by guys who would like to work together. I never really go “model hunting” though, as you need a certain level of comfort and ease, especially when doing naked stuff.

S: You also do a fair bit of self-portraiture.  Is that something that you do to fill time or do you have plans for a formal series of self-portraits?

MB: Heh! As I said before, I am very bad with planning anything at all. What happens will happen! As for my self-portraits, it is a little bit of exhibitionism and a lot of the fact to be able to work in peace. It is very relieving not to have to communicate your ideas to another person. When you work with yourself you know exactly what you mean. And if the photos turn out to be shit, no one will ever know.

S: Has your work been published anywhere that readers in the US might be able to see?

MB: Well, no. I suppose you can say I am still new to a lot of this…

S: What direction do you see your work and career taking over the next few years?

MB: I have nooo no no no idea. Lack of ambition, being unable to plan far ahead etc., etc. Doing exhibitions with only my work is something I want to do though, and I suppose it is only a matter of time. Who knows what will happen!

Thanks Markus!  For past installments of In the Spotlight, click on the links.  

Mikel Marton | Ryan Pfluger | Jeffrey Kilmer | Luigi y Luca