In the midst of a white snowscape, Joël Tettamanti (b. 1977) finds moments of captivating colour. While travelling across Greenland, he discovered objects and buildings which had managed to escape the thick layers of snow engulfing the region. The primary coloured houses associated with the Northern Hemisphere stand out against the washed-out streets, and even the most mundane objects become almost mystical half-disguised in the frosty weather. Tettamanti’s beautiful photographs are currently showcased in Issue 62 of Aesthetica. We speak to Tettamanti about his approach to his work.

A: Can you remember the first photograph you took?
JT: I can’t remember it exactly. It was probably an underwater photo with my yellow Sony waterproof camera that I got for Christmas when I was just 12.

A: What draws you to take a photograph?
JT: I take photographs because it is probably the only thing I can do. Besides, I really enjoy it.

A: You have travelled all over the world to shoot images, is there anywhere you haven’t been that you would like to?
JT: I like it everywhere I go, so there is no real reason to rush. However, one of my goals is to see the very deep parts of the ocean. It will probably never be possible, but it keeps me dreaming.

A: Your images from Greenland feature in Aesthetica Issue 62, what do you think is special about this landscape?
JT: I like this country a lot. The beauty of the place is fascinating. The intense and overpowering climate has generated a unique architecture, one that is simple and pragmatic. The people are also very special and they are not cold at all, as many people would think. They are very inviting and are curious about where you come from and how you live. Of course, not everyone is nice (like everywhere I guess), but I din’t feel bad once. It is a population full of humour that has been through lots of cultural changes, very much like the alterations in central Europe and world wide.

A: Which photographers have inspired you?
JT: I have been influenced by lots of people, it is hard to make a list. At a certain stage or age I think that all photographers start distancing themselves from the art scene, and this is especially true of the photographic scene. It’s probably a kind of protection.

A: What do you have planned for next?
JT: My phone could ring any time and all my plans could change in a second, so it’s very difficult to plan too far ahead. I’ll probably buy some new Nordic skis for this winter, that’s my next project.

To see Tettamanti’s work in Aesthetica Issue 62, head to www.aestheticamagazine.com

Credits
1. Joël Tettamanti, Sisimiut, Greenland, 2012, courtesy of the artist.