On April 17, American-Scandinavian Foundation invites you to a virtual talk with photographer Anne Helene Gjelstad on her documentary book Big Heart, Strong Hands, out now from Dewi Lewis Publishing. She will be joined by moderator & photographer Erika Larsen (Sàmi: Walking with Reindeer). 

Big Heart, Strong Hands is the story of the women on the Estonian islands Kihnu and Manija in the Baltic Sea. Geographically isolated, over centuries a strong sense of community spirit and a steadfast attachment to their ancestor’s customs has developed. Often viewed as the last matriarchal society in Europe, the women here take care of almost everything on land as their husbands travel the seas.

Gjelstad has photographed the daily lives and activities of the women, their clothing, bedrooms, kitchens and farmhouses as well as the surrounding landscape ­– even a ceremony in a deceased person’s kitchen only three hours after she had passed away. She has also interviewed the women about their lives, struggles and losses and their thoughts on the future. We learn of the development of this unique society, the harsh conditions it endured over many decades as part of the Soviet Union, as well as its culture and folk dressing customs. These are the hushed voices of culture bearers who need to be heard, for this is a small society rapidly moving towards Western standards, and where traditional culture and identity is inevitably slipping away.

In today’s event, Gjelstad and Larsen will discuss the work over the past 11 years that went into the project, as well as the lives and culture it portrays; including the matriarchal order of the islands, their work with textiles, and the preservation of the society. They will also discuss how to work on such lengthy and immersive projects, and how to be able to gain access to and build connections in closed societies.

This event will take place as a Zoom webinar; please ask questions in the chat or send them in advance to  info@amscan.org. Registration is required; please sign up at the link above.

“Anne Helene Gjelstad’s documentary project is remarkable. She has found a way to photograph the women, which draws the viewer into their world and souls. You can feel the passion the photographer has for this project – it transports and leaves us wanting to know and see more.”—Joyce Tenneson

This event has been organized by the American-Scandinavian Foundation with the Consulate General of Estonia in New York & the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York.