Leif GW Persson turns 80 on March 12.
There are few Swedes today who reach the level of respect and popularity that Leif GW Persson. I can't think of any other famous person who would get away with so much. Both in terms of his self-irony and recognition of his mistakes and shortcomings and his sometimes very biting comments and opinions, often expressed with a certain humorous undertone. He has been very open about his struggle with alcohol, his weight problems and his temperament.
Perhaps all of this together makes his now cult-like personality human and relatable. I haven't seen or read much negative about his extravagant habits, his openness about how much money he makes, or anyone who is obviously jealous of his success. However, he is not completely uncontroversial, I suspect, as he probably steps on the occasional sore toe of authorities, politicians and police.
Popular is probably the right word to describe him. An expert on crime who is one of Sweden's most influential voices in criminology. The way he appears on TV when he is a bit rebelliously charming in front of his opinions sets him apart from other academics.
In 1978, his first crime novel “Pigfesten” was published. The pictures were taken by Åke Cyrus that same year. The book became a bestseller and was the beginning of GW Persson’s writing career.
He is 33 years old in the pictures and it is interesting to see him so young. The seriousness is already there in his eyes. He is still quite serious and sharp-witted when he penetrates the TV screen but still manages to somehow make light entertainment of the seriousness of the moment.
It's important to publish photos from the past. Jonas Sjöberg explains why.
Time travel: Looking at historical images is like traveling back in time. Each image acts as a window into the past. It creates a sense of participating in history, even if it is only through observation.
Nostalgia and reflection: Images evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, not only for those who have a personal connection to the subject or the time when the image was taken, but also for anyone fascinated by history. Images provide space for reflection on how much has changed and what has remained the same. There is a charm in seeing everyday life through a historical filter.
Cultural insight: By looking at historical images, one gains a deeper understanding of cultural and social life. Images can provide valuable knowledge and experience of buildings and landscapes, people's clothing styles, working lives and social interactions, which provides a rich insight into culture and everyday life.
Lill-Babs during the recording of the melody En tuff brud i lyxförmänkning 1961 which appears in the Swedish feature film Svenska Floyd, where Lill-babs plays the pangbrallis Lollo Fillipini.
Personal Connection: For some with roots in or a strong connection to the subjects in the historical images, these photographs can create a personal bond with their history, making them more than just photographs. They can become a source of pride, a reminder of heritage and origins.
Connection to society: Historical images can also serve as a reminder of social developments, fashion, politics, famous people, etc. The images can inspire conversations about societal changes, technological developments and how everyday life has changed.
Contrast with the present: The historical images create an interesting contrast to today's life and technology. The black and white aesthetics, simple life and technology of the time stand in sharp contrast to colorful, modern images, which can lead to fruitful discussions and comparisons about developments over time.
Create an experience and not just reading
My images create added value
As a storyteller and story seller for Sjöberg Bildbyrå, I try to create interest in the content of my historical image archive for the media. I think the reasons above are something to consider when creating the content of a newspaper, website or a film. It is interesting for many to see the differences between now and then. Be reminded of their own memories and experiences and feel that reading the newspaper or seeing the visual experience as something more meaningful.
That confirms what I thought.
Now that I also run an online store where I offer the old, fine archive images as photo art, I realize that many people do not just choose to have images as paintings on the wall as a decorative act, but a deep experience that combines art, history and personal reflection, and that creates a unique atmosphere in the room where they hang.
Finally - What I have going on
This very telling photograph of a couple in a furniture store is a real highlight. He is trying out the classic bat armchair and looks a little questioningly at his wife or girlfriend. “It’s quite comfortable to sit in, but it looks a little strange, isn’t it?”
The armchair has become something of an iconic piece of furniture and it's extra fun to be able to have a picture of it when it was a novelty to buy and take home. I like the table too. The shape looks so exciting! The picture is being edited and it will be searchable on the word bat armchair of course.
