Does things automatically go downhill as you get older? On the contrary, say Jule Kühn and Susanne Lencinas – and with their photo project “Flourished” they stage old age as the blossoming of life.
Photo project “Flourished” – 15 inspiring women
BRIGITTE: Your photos are characterized by lushness and an abundance of flowers and colors. How does this lavish production fit with the theme of age?
Jule Kühn: Good question that I would just like to turn around: Why not Lush and colors in old age?
Susanne Lencinas: People often dress so inconspicuously as they get older. But why exactly? Ripeness has something to do with flowering.
Is that why your photo project is called “Flourished,” even though you show people fading away?
Jule: For me it is natural to equate maturity with blossom. I find it really strange not to do that. Perhaps a flower that is about to fade is even at the peak of its beauty. At the end of life, one usually looks back on opulence and abundance, on a collection, a treasure.
Susanne: “Young equals bloom” is just a narrative. Maybe you can change the narrative and attribute the bloom to age. But we don’t photograph people who have been lying in a nursing bed for years; I wouldn’t call that a bloom either. We all know that there are horror stories.
For you, old age is like a lush bouquet of flowers.
Susanne: It has actually been proven that flowers play a greater role as we age. I’m also observing this in myself: flowers are becoming more important. The flowers in the garden are only there for this moment and I notice them more now. I think it has something to do with being more aware of impermanence than when you were young. Flowers are also a momento mori in art history, a reminder of one’s own mortality.
Jule: Flowers are almost like a global language. The blossoming, the blooming, the fading – everyone can relate to flowers as a symbol. And a flower is something thoroughly positive; for almost everyone it conveys beauty. For many old people they also bring back memories.
Susanne: During the shoot, for example, Lilo remembered that she liked daisies as a child.
In your photos I see a farmer’s wife, an adventurer, and also religious symbols: How did these productions come about?
Jule: In advance we ask the seniors what their favorite flowers are. Then we go to their house and also bring photo backdrops and props, maybe a scarf or a head covering. We get to know each other over a cup of coffee, look around their familiar surroundings and see what their hearts are set on. This way we quickly get a feeling for what kind of person we have in front of us. The production is always spontaneous. I ask: What do you like? Do you perhaps have another blouse that fits well? The process of taking photos always happens in harmony, which is very important.
How do you find your models?
Susanne: First we asked around among our acquaintances and friends, then word got around more and more. And at some point, care facilities also approached us.
What criteria do your protagonists have to meet?
Jule: Not so young hoppers at 70! So actually over 80.
Where does your love for old people come from?
Jule: I spent a lot of time with my grandmothers and great-aunts when I was young and always found being together extremely enriching. An aunt, for example, still had incredible composure at 93. Despite everything she experienced during the war, she was deeply relaxed and full of love. I also love the authenticity of the old people. All of these filters that we put forward when we talk to each other no longer exist with them. They are what they are. This is a role model for me.
Susanne: For me it’s a little different than for Jule. With the project I am processing my fear of aging. You have to strengthen yourself positively as you get older. My friend’s grandma, who has always been extremely fit, now sits alone in the nursing home all day and still manages to be in a good mood. I admire this woman’s resilience!
Aren’t you afraid of aging, Jule Kühn?
Jule: No, I don’t have that fear at all. I think: Yes, and then you just get older. So what?
Further information and photos at www.aufgeblüt.de