"Sixteen-year-old dance students go through their exercises at the Theatre of Opera and Ballet School. The school is a scene of fierce competition. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and many young people see ballet as a means to wealth and foreign travel. Twelve boys and twelve girls aged around eight are accepted into a ballet class every year. They stay for nine years, training a minimum of five hours a day in addition to normal lessons. Each year numbers in the class diminish, as those not considered talented enough are no longer allowed to continue."
Åsa Sjöström's work focuses on international understanding, human rights and the situation of women and children around the world. She says, "as a photojournalist, I want to create awareness and strive for intimate situations between me and the people in my photographs."
Hi Åsa. Tell us more about 'Moldova Ballet'
The Moldova ballet series actually came to me as a coincidence, during my first monthly trip in 2005. It was not planned, I was working with other topics in Moldova at that time, trafficking, vulnerability and poverty. I struggled to find ways to get access to different institutions and was almost on my way to give up the idea about working in the country. The third time I passed the old beautiful building I asked my translator what it was behind the walls. He told me it was a Ballet school. I thought they would at least accept my presence and let me take their pictures, and so it was. I spent around three hours with the girls and the Moldova ballet school pictures was made during those hours.
When and why did you come to photography?
My interest for photography started in an early age. I've always been interested in art and in people. I'm also a curious person who wants to explore my own identity and the identity of other people, see different countries and learn things from different experiences. I started with photographing my own life as a teenager, family and friends, mostly in black and white. And then I studied photojournalism for two and a half years.
What does the medium mean to you?
Well, photography speaks all languages and it's the most powerful way to tell stories. Professional photographers are needed more then ever, both in photojournalism, documentary and art.
Do you have a photographic philosophy?
I see and capture beauty, pride and vulnerable people as strong and somewhat heroic figurers in an evocative and unequal world. I think that says a lot about my work as a photographer.
What are you currently working on and what's next for you?
Currently I'm working on my first photo book called 'Silent Land', it's from my years 2005-2017 working in Moldova. It will also be an exhibition at Fotografiska in Stockholm mid November. Also finishing a black and white portrait series. A project about children that are victims of domestic and honor violence in Sweden.
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