Salome Erni
(she/her), based in Switzerland and The Netherlands
I try to make sense of the complexities of this world – lens-based and with words. Positioned at the intersection of art and journalism, my works evolve around topics such as belonging, historical narratives, shared resources, and perspectives for the future. Often, I investigate how people connect to their surroundings. I search for visual manifestations of these relationships. Therefore, I see myself as a collector, gathering visual material and shaping new perspectives.
To overcome the current challenges in our society, I am convinced that we need to bridge polarisations and to create dialogues. Research-based and collaborative narratives that embrace multiperspectivity are at the core of my practice. Also, interpersonal exchange and participation play an important role – be it as a form of research or centered around the audience. Often, my projects find their final forms in books and exhibitions.
I early found my way into my current journalistic and documentary practice. I studied Camera Arts in Lucerne and switched to the Photography department at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, where I will finish my Bachelor’s degree in 2025. Since my first steps as a trainee in 2020 I have been working as a freelance journalist and writer for various Swiss outlets, especially Luzerner Zeitung (CHMedia).
exhibitions:
How Language Flows, Zurich (2024) ––––– a butterfly was finding out yesterday how to make sense of misunderstandings, The Hague (2024) ––––– Open Student Call, Noorderlicht Photography, Groningen (2023) ––––– Fotowerkschau Luzern, Luzern (2023) ––––– Genius Loci, Hochschule Luzern, Emmenbrücke (2022) ––––– BLAMAGE|PASSAGE, Kali Galerie (2021)
published in:
phroom magazine ––––– Young Photographer Monday by ronorp ––––– CIRCLE (associated with KABK, The Hague) ––––– EUSTORY ––––– Luzerner Zeitung/ CHMedia