Nelli Palomäki

I, daughter



The way we see ourselves

and the way others view

us are the themes of

Nelli Palomäki’s series

I, Daughter.…



…She deals with womanhood and the interplay between a woman’s independence and her role as a daughter. Formally, the artist approaches the theme in black-and-white portraits of different girls and young women. As for motifs, the series takes three different approaches.


First Palomäki photographs various models, from young girl to adult woman, in close-ups. Each of them looks into the camera without inhibition, but also without advertising herself, both serious and self-assured. Palomäki describes the process: “In the close-up portraits I have undressed the models, stripped them of all excess, thus only the face and the gaze remain.” The photographer understands these pictures as an expression of a close relationship that nonetheless grants each subject her autonomy.


In the second approach, the directorial effort is greater. The portrayed appear before the camera in historicallooking clothing that recalls a traditional attribution of roles. However, their manner—oscillating between rebellion and self-assurance—contrasts with their appearance. Thus outside attribution—for example, by parents—and the attempt to escape it are brought together in one picture.


The models in the third series of motifs are more actively incorporated in the scene set before the camera. Palomäki thrusts the release button into the hand of the model and thus lets her chose the “right” moment. Calling the works “self-portraits” has an ulterior agenda, reflecting the fact that Palomäki finds her various identities in the different women and, at the same time, poses the question of authorship. Yet she emphasizes: “Even if the person in the picture is taking the image, she is still posing for me and the camera.” She thus consequently inquires into the image of woman between social imprinting and personal freedom.



- Katrin Hiller von Gaertringen

(The Helsinki School–Young Photography by TaiK, vol. 3, Hatje Cantz 2009)

© NELLI PALOMÄKI 2009