ANDREA GJESTVANG, NORWAY
NORWAY: THE WORST DAY OF THEIR LIVES
On 22 July 2011, Anders Breivik set off a car bomb near government buildings in Oslo, killing eight people, and then massacred 69 participants in a youth camp on the nearby island of Utøya. Norwegian photographer Andrea Gjestvang travelled around her country for a portrait of 43 of the 495 survivors who will live on with their scars and injuries – both visible and mental – many of which may never fully heal. She asked them to write down their reflections on what happened. Her project is called “One Day In History”. The artist’s purpose is to develop a deeper understanding for the victims. The project shows how the affected teenagers deal with the consequences of the event.
“My life changed in more than one way. In primary school, kids used to make fun of me. I felt sad and I retreated completely into myself”, says Cecilie who tried to hide from Breivik together with her friend. Her friend was killed and she was severely wounded. She lost one arm in the attack and the last bullet was only stopped by her teeth. Despite these horrible wounds, the 17-year-old tells the photographer that she now values her life more than ever and that she has found her true self. While 15-year-old Ylva states that she will carry her scars with pride. She says she earned these scars for standing up for her values. Values which she will continue to stand for even after her worst day in history. “Life goes on. I tell myself that every day. I hate this phrase more than any other in the world”, says Tuva (17), who was able to hide from the assassin and therefore survived without any visible scars.
© Andrea Gjestvang/Moment Agency
Curriculum Vitae: Andrea Gjestvang
