Karl Larsson is an intriguing interdisciplinary artist who focuses on photography and explores the many means and ways to connect with his audience through his innovative travelling library project.
We made acquaintance last year during the Sit+Read Artbook Festival in Timişoara, where Karl’s project made a unique impression on the Romanian public. We invite you to discover his creative journey & progressive views on the artistic world and the results that are brought to life through artistic fruition. Don’t forget to „pay a visit” to his library when he’s in town!
1.Who is Karl Larsson and what can you tell us about your background and interest in photography?
Karl Larsson is an artist who explores interactions through recorded media, primarily focusing on photography. Since completing his master’s degree in fine art at Central Saint Martins, London, UK, in 2003, Larsson has been actively engaged as an artist. His work has evolved from creating diverse gallery exhibitions to adopting a more experimental approach, using art as a means to construct or reconstruct frameworks. His interests often delve into probing questions about contemporary society and its hierarchies.
Photograph @infi.ro // Sit+Read ArtBook fair 2023, Timisoara, Romania
2.You run PUUT; a Publishing & Loan Artist book library, an initiative that explores the contemporary artistic practice and that examines the relationship between artist and visitor.
It all began with „The one million program,” through which I have been taking over 2 million photos since 2003. By 2014, I reached my first million and started considering how to present these images. I began experimenting beyond printing single images, exploring collages and filmmaking, and eventually realized I could create my own books. Starting with a laser printer, my interest extended beyond showcasing individual images to exploring their impact as series. Working with the A-format (A4 and A3) forced me to think about folding, cutting, and binding the books. The small format of these books, achieved by folding the paper multiple times, posed a challenge as it reduced the images, resembling real images on a phone screen.
After producing around 30 books, I held an exhibition in 2018 where I conceived the idea that the artworks themselves could not be purchased, challenging capitalist ideas of ownership and consumerism. In Finnish, „PUUT” refers to a tree, symbolizing the connection to paper and books. Due to the manageable size of these books, I realized I could carry them with me, expanding not just the library itself but also naturally forming a network of creatives. This journey helped me navigate the informal norms of social situations in the art world, where I sometimes struggle to fit in.
The PUUT library is not just an art piece but also a performance piece, where I take on multiple roles:
- Photographer
- Graphic designer
- Printmaker
- Librarian
Through this project, I aim to provoke questions not only about the role of the artist but also about societal expectations for us all to adapt to different roles.
Photograph @ Eda Emirdağ (instagram.com/edaemirdag)
3.What space do you feel your project occupies in the contemporary artistic and cultural scene? Is there a need for it? Is it something else?
I am actively working to expand the limits of what art is and where it can be presented, as well as who it is intended for. I aim to develop a practice where the curiosity of the unknown (space) plays a crucial role. I seek to blend, mix, or even remix different approaches and styles without compromising the integrity of the art or the artist. Connecting through art is important to me, which is why I am open to exploring both traditional and unconventional venues.
Moving fluidly to exchange inspiration and ideas is paramount to my creative process.
Photograph @infi.ro // Sit+Read ArtBook fair 2023, Timisoara, Romania
4.Your project seems to connect and cultivate a community of book & art lovers alike, a community that is knit over many countries and spoken languages, but whom all enjoy the visual language of photography and its storytelling capabilities.
In what countries has the travelling bookstore stopped so far and how did the Romanian public receive your project, comparing to other countries?
So far, I have visited Sweden, Denmark, Wales, Romania, and Turkey. My general aim is to push the boundaries of where contemporary art is exhibited, moving beyond traditional gallery spaces. I also strive to expand my own artistic practice by collaborating with other artists, including poets, musicians, and others.
The Romanian public embraced the project warmly, appreciating the concept of the library as a positive one, where communal ownership is seen as something pleasant and beautiful. This reception was slightly more enthusiastic compared to the other countries I have visited.
Photograph @infi.ro // Sit+Read ArtBook fair 2023, Timisoara, Romania
5.How has the general response been to your project so far? Have any particular reactions or feedback from viewers surprised you?
Overall, the responses have been interesting and add depth to the artwork, revealing new layers of meaning. I especially enjoy the interactions with people when they challenge themselves to borrow, rather than own, a piece of art. Sometimes, people seem keen to own the artwork but struggle with the fact that they can’t. Additionally, some are hesitant to provide personal information to the artwork, even though they readily share it with multi-billion dollar companies (for example, to receive emails).
In general, I view people’s responses, whatever they may be, as part of the artwork.
Photograph @ Eda Emirdağ (instagram.com/edaemirdag)
6.Last year, when we met at the Sit+read artbook fair, everybody (including myself) seemed to be intrigued by these tiny tiny photographic books that had a different feel to them. How did you come up with the idea and how do you think the storytelling aspect of a book made of images is impacted by its size or format?
The idea is based on the format (A4/A3 and folding it) and how to use it, following the principle „the less the merrier.” I strive to adopt a „less is more” attitude. The storytelling aspect of the books is either rooted in the simplistic, almost hoarding behavior we have as collectors, or in my long experience with images. This experience helps me arrange images in a way that tells a story both individually and collectively.
Photograph @infi.ro // Sit+Read ArtBook fair 2023, Timisoara, Romania
7.On your website, you describe PUUT as ” an active participatory process, a presence where the encounter with the artwork is an active cultural exercise where roles are questioned.”What were some of the most interesting interactions you’ve had with the viewers in regards to the roles they play and the roles that the art or the books play?
Sometimes people come up with obvious ideas, trying to be provocative, but it’s hard to provoke someone who has a provocative attitude. This dynamic is interesting and challenges me to use all the charm and humor I have.
In general, we humans are not as unique as we might think and have more in common than not. I find it fascinating when people really engage; in these moments, we truly embody our roles. It’s intriguing when people approach the situation as consumers and then realize that they can’t be.
Photograph @ Eda Emirdağ (instagram.com/edaemirdag)
8.What were some of the challenges you faced while working on this project?
One major challenge was finding the time to create more books, especially since collaborations can be time-consuming. Additionally, securing financial resources for travel and book production was difficult.
9.What role does experimentation play in your process?
Experimentation plays a significant role in my process. I have been working with printmaking and discovered that using a thermal printer (like a receipt printer) allows me to create books on-site.
I also set boundaries for myself to limit the number of collaborations. Too many collaborators can complicate the process and make it harder to produce a cohesive final product. Collaborations take more time, and I have enough material (2 million photos) to continue making books for the rest of my life. My focus is always on what I enjoy doing.
Photograph @infi.ro // Sit+Read ArtBook fair 2023, Timisoara, Romania
10.Do you think that creating, nowadays, in any shape or form, is a privilege, a luxury, a necessity or… something else entirely?
Creating is a necessity. I believe I can spread the message of art and creativity to everyone. It’s a lifesaver for me, so it must be for at least someone else on this earth too!
Photograph @ Hanna Eliasson (instagram.com/hanna_k_eliasson)
11.What is one thing you’ve learned from creating and running PUUT that you’d like to share with our readers?
I’ve learned that it’s valuable to have a long-term project. It gives you time to contemplate without a specific goal, allowing you to enjoy the process and have fun.
12.Can you share with us how the loan from the library works & the process of obtaining a loan card, for those interested?
To become a member of the library, you simply provide your information, address, and other details on-site for a small fee. I then print a library card for you while you wait. With your card, you can borrow your first book. You’ll also join a mailing list where I update you on the library’s upcoming locations. This allows you to return the book and borrow another title, continuing the loan process.
Photograph @ Eda Emirdağ (instagram.com/edaemirdag)
13.Where can we meet you and your library next?
The next planned stop for the library is at an exhibition in Gothenburg, Sweden, from September 27th to September 30th, 2024.
For the latest information, please feel free to follow Puut on Instagram.
*All photographs, unless otherwise specified, are part of the interviewee’s personal archives.
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