Argentina Through Jens Assur’s Lenses, the Famous Swedish Photographer
He is one of the most famous and talented scandinavian photographers and film directors. He traveled through the country with his family to collect images for a new exhibition in Stockholm.
Jens Assur tells (many) stories since as long as he can remember, independent of the screen —because he masters all images. He’s brilliant. So much so that when he was just 23 years old, he managed to win the Photographer of the Year award thanks to his photo-essays in Somalia, Rwanda, South Africa, and the former Yugoslavia. The camera lens is not his only ally because the big screen also suits him very well. As director and scriptwriter, he managed to have more than one short film, out of the five he created, multiple times awarded and recognised in large-scale festivals, such as Cannes and Sundance.
Today, 30 years later, he keeps venturing himself into genres and formats. This time, he is up to something new. He is organising a photographic exhibition in Liljevalchs by 2023, just one of the most important contemporary art museums in Stockholm. The images will cover the best scenarios of Argentina and will later be adapted for a documentary to be aired on Sveriges Television. In addition, he will also make a printing version on books, and some of that work will be part of the campaign of the emblematic clothing and mountain accessory Swedish brand, Fjallraven.
That’s precisely because he travelled with his family around Buenos Aires, El Calafate, El Chaltén, Salta, and Jujuy. He was amazed. He ate so much meat that he honoured the nickname “the country of the asado”, believing that he got to his annual dose in little time. Yet, he is not complaining, of course. If he had to describe Argentinians in one word, he’d say “friendly”. He belives two weeks are not enough to connect with the culture, sceneries, and local people. Keep on reading and get to know Argentina in the words (and images) of Jens Assur, the man of the thousand shots.
Why Do You Think People Must Visit Argentina?
It is a vast country with so many things and places to explore. Down south, in Patagonia, there are beautiful mountains, great for hiking and climbing. It is a wonderful place for an active vacation with the family. In the north, the landscape is completely different; the desert-like and hot region of Salta has absolutely beautiful landscapes. Here, we fell in love with the small and remote village of Tolar Grande. In Buenos Aires, you will get everything that a big cosmopolitan city has to offer when it comes to restaurants, bars, shops, etc., but you can also experience a very green, lush, and friendly place.
The generous and very friendly Argentinians. Wherever you go and whoever you meet will try to help you and guide you in the right direction. People are not pushy and in your face, and when you approach them, most people meet you with a smile and a helpful hand.
If you are into some specific activity, say climbing, hiking, fly-fishing, Argentina offers great opportunities to deepen and develop your skills with the best and most scenic prerequisites and conditions. The same thing if you’re into photography. Argentina is the best!
2. Which Destination Inspires You the Most?
El Chaltén and the surrounding of the Fitz Roy massif. The air is fresh, nature is stunning, and the trails are fun and beautiful. The small village is a charming place, relaxed and laid back in an appealing way. I think everyone in my family has a piece of their hearts here.
3.How Would You Describe Argentina to a Friend?
A country with something for everyone. I would also recommend them to spend a longer period of time here and not try to squeeze in a round tour in two weeks. There is so much to do and see that you can easily spend a month only in Patagonia. And to be able to really get to know the country, the culture, and the people, spend more time in one place, chill, relax, and experience the small things.
4. What’s Your Favourite Argentinian Dish?
At home, in Sweden, we don’t eat a lot of meat, but I have to say we had some really good tenderloin and lamb in Argentina. I think we ate all the meat that we need for the rest of the year, ha-ha.
5. The Best Memory I Have from Argentina is…
My family and I went hiking around Fitz Roy for three days. A beautiful and versatile trail with nice camping sites. One morning, my older son and I got up at five, hiked up to Laguna de los Tres, and watched the sunrise. We had a cup of warm tea while the sun hit our faces. A truly spiritual moment right there we both think and talk about later, during the dark and cold mornings of Northern Sweden.