How Small man is

Norway, 2019

Hemsedal, Norway, 2019

The vastness of this Norwegian landscape invokes feelings of astonishment and isolation. There is a juxtaposition between the spiking and unforgiving mountain skylines and the delicate cottages nestled among the trees and slopes. These picturesque views can heighten feelings of loneliness and insignificance. Generally, these emotions would be considered negative but in this case, we can draw upon the Sublime, in which these emotions turn positive. This philosophy puts an emphasis on individualism, emotion, personal spirituality and reflection. In turn, this leads to initial negative emotions to change and grow into feelings of; being alone but not lonely; insignificant but not meaningless. Man-made structures within this environment demonstrate a Romantic respect for nature, man peacefully co-existing with a limitless and wild natural landscape of which they cannot control reminds us of our obligation to prescribe our own meaning to the world and those who inhabit it.

The Sublime in short:

`The inconceivable of that which is great.`

text by Clare McNicholas and Esther Máire