On Borrowed Time by Henrik Malmström (May 3, 2010) 
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Introduction by Recommending Viewer
Hans Durrer recommended today’s artist to us. Durrer: There are moments when we, although aware that we are looking at photographs, do not seem to be looking at what we know to be two-dimensional reductions of a three-dimensional physical reality that neither smell nor sound but at real people. In such situations, looking is replaced by feeling. And this is precisely what happened to me when I spent time with Henrik Malmström’s impressive pictures: I felt what my eyes showed me. Moreover, these photographs instilled in me the same empathy with which, I believe, they were taken. And that is simply wonderful.
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Our poll "A photo essay always needs a great written story" closed. 267 people voted, 28% agrees, 72% disagrees. 233 people answered our follow-up question "Are you a photographer?" 82% indicated they are, 18% said no. Initially, negative answers to question #1 were almost 100% as was the pecentage of photographers among respondants. Then, when the level of non-photographers started to rise, the percentage of people indicating good text is always essential started to rise too. This seems to indicate that non-photographers think that adding good text to your photo essays is essential. In my opinion: if you want non-photographers to dig your work, you know what to do...
In his project On Borrowed Time photographer Henrik Malmström presents a quiet and touching photo essay of his sister Maija’s last months of struggle with cancer. The project was released as a book in March 2010.
In this personal and sensitive narrative Malmström focuses on intimate moments, and on the atmospheres and sentiments that arise when facing death.
“…We live on borrowed time. We borrow some time here on earth, we borrow some counciousness…” Maija, Helsinki, 2003
In the summer of 1999 my older sister Maija was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she was only twenty years old. Her prognosis was not good. With the help of different treatments and a strong will she was able to extend and periodically enjoy her life.
In November 2007 Maija was hospitalized again. This is when I started to document her and the rest of my family in hospitals and at home. The following months where to be her last, for she passed away at home in April 2008.
“ There was a need for documenting feelings and happenings in front of me.
During the years I hade seen Maija’s course, her ups and downs.
Somehow I understood that these were the last moments.
In a difficult family situation different roles are adopted and photographing was a natural way of being close to Maija.
Photographing is a way of dealing with reality and feelings.” Henrik Malmström, Helsinki 2010
Henrik Malmström (1983) lives and works in Helsinki, Finland.
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