About
Bio
Written by Elza Burkart
Chelsea Nyegaard has a distinct photographic style that captures the essence of classic street portraiture with intensity and nostalgia. Her talent lies in forging authentic connections with her subjects, immortalizing them in a tender light that honors their unique stories and identities. Through her photos, she brings forth the depth of human experiences and the diverse tapestry of lives lived on their own terms.
What sets Nyegaard apart is her ability to reveal the inherent power and self-determination within her subjects' lives. She showcases their resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit, portraying them as individuals who defy societal norms and embrace their chosen paths with confidence. Her photographs exude a sense of agency and authenticity, inspiring viewers to challenge preconceived notions and embrace the complexity of human existence.
Nyegaard's decision to shoot exclusively on film goes beyond mere artistic preference. It connects her to her personal history and is inspired by her grandfather, a true Americana hobbyist photographer. By choosing film, she ensures an authenticity and tone that can be somewhat absent in digital photography, reminding us that true artistry lies in the quality of vision, not the quantity of frames. It encourages us to see beyond the surface and truly appreciate the individuals before us.
Nyegaard's photographic voice, reminiscent of documentary photographers with an arthouse touch like Nan Goldin and Garry Winogrand, invites viewers to celebrate the unique stories and perspectives often overlooked by society. Her images empower both the subjects and the audience, fostering empathy, understanding, and a profound appreciation for the diverse paths individuals choose to navigate.
Through her sharp and perceptive eye, Nyegaard captures the truth and beauty of her subjects, elevating her work to a transformative level. She embraces the undeniable strength, creativity, and individuality found within the communities she photographs, challenging societal norms and inspiring a reevaluation of our limited narratives.
As Nyegaard continues to reshape the artistic landscape, we eagerly anticipate the impact of her work in breaking stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diverse identities. Her art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the resilience of those who forge their own paths, redefining notions of empowerment and beauty for generations to come.
Artist Statement
Through my photos, I make commentary about being a woman, the flesh we live in, and the space we take up. My work is an intimate exploration of sex and society and is made solely with people with whom I share mutual respect and comfort. I do not work with models or strangers, but with subjects with whom I share a bond. Treating the woman and her form as someone worthy of reverence without objectification is my gentle rebellion against polite society and an unapologetic gut-punch against patriarchal views on femininity.
Femininity has become conditioned to pander to the male gaze to attain social viability and praise, which often begins in childhood. Personally, pageants, print modeling, acting, cheerleading, and dance shaped my image of myself in my youth but were sharply contrasted by the independence and traditionally masculine interests my single mother indulged in. My artistic journey explores the dichotomies of womanhood and femininity. It celebrates the power we harness within the confines of patriarchal rule. It removes entirely the expectation to please men with our bodies and encourages the subject to stay present in form and presentation without ignoring our conditioning. I thoroughly enjoy exploring the nuance of these conversations. My images are not created with the viewer in mind, however, I invite the audience along in voyeuristic glee as the subjects embody both their primal and conditioned selves.
Photo ©Freewater