Ida Ellinor Hermansen is a Danish lens-based artist. Her works centers on the tension between vulnerability and strength through investigations into the medium of photography itself. Most recently, she's completed a series of cyanotypes titled “Autotrophs”, a sci-fi story about future living organisms. Hermansen graduated from Fatamorgana in 2019. In addition to being an artist, Hermansen is signed with Scoop Models of Scandinavia and models for renowned brands across Europe.

Interviewed by Anna Burkalo. Shot by Mia Johansson.

A: Hi Ida, so excited to meet you! Thank you for your time today!

I: I’m so happy to meet you!

A: So the first question is about your runway this summer. You walked for OperaSPORT show this summer. Was it your first runway? How did it feel?

I: It wasn’t my first runway, but I’m definitely new in a runway game. I loved the setting for the show. I loved that it was a long runway. And I loved the cast. And I can only speak for myself, I’m 39, but I really appreciate what’s happening in the fashion industry, being more diverse in regard to body types, age, shapes. And I really think that OpéraSPORT nailed it.

A: Yeah, I completely agree and thought the show was amazing. Also your outfit really went viral! Your look was all over the press and Vogue, I remember everyone was buzzing “oh, this outfit!” “Oh, my god, this model!” I though it was a very grand moment. I really loved this summer collection. And speaking of seasons, what piece is a must-have for you for this Fall Winter edition?

I: For Fall Winter? I would definitely say… Can I say two pieces? (Laughing)

A: Of course! (Laughing)

I: I would definitely say the black Annabel seamless dress. It's a winner. You can wear it with boots. You can wear it with heels. It's elegant. And then I love that it reveals a small detail of the body, which I find very sexy in such an undertone way. And the second one is definitely the white Léa shirt. I love that it's a classic white shirt. And then again, it's not. So you can wear it with jeans, with whatever. And you will look amazing.

A: Yes I completely agree, the brand is so good at merging classic styles and adding a flare of playfulness. So next question, how do you express yourself in your style? Do you have any signature pieces that scream “Ida”?

I: Yes, I think in regard to my own style, I measure quality above everything else. I want fewer pieces, but good pieces. And then I always love when there's a detail that surprises me. And that's why I really love OpéraSPORT, because there's always something that catches your eye, that you're not necessarily used to seeing — small details, some kind of movement in the garment, which I find extremely refreshing.

A: Yeah, that’s one of the many reasons I love the brand, because they design uniquely elegant details that can spice up your outfit! Do you have favorite places in Copenhagen to wind down during Fall?

I: For winding down, I think fall is one of my favorite seasons because the light, for instance, September is beautiful, the way the color changes. For me, fall is about long walks in nature, and this one isn’t a hidden gem, but there's a place called Sydhavnstippen, where there's llamas and sheep roaming free, and that's such a beautiful place to go to.

A: Wow, I didn't know about that! That's so cool, I’ll have to visit those places. Where do you get the most inspiration for your artwork? Is it Copenhagen or your life or maybe all of it?

I: For me, it has a lot to do with curiosity, so it can be someone that I see in the street, but it can also be more like a concept that I dive into, and then I start making my images, and then I always ask them "What do you need now?". And then a lot of the times, because I'm open and curious, and I like people, it comes to me, but it has to do about being in the process. I'm almost always thinking about my images. Sometimes it comes to me, sometimes it takes longer, and that's okay. But I can find inspiration almost anywhere.

A: That’s truly amazing, so everything is coming from curiosity to life and people, right?

I: Exactly.

A: Wonderful to hear. And can you tell us more about your art studio? What does it mean to you? Is it also your source of inspiration?

I: Yes, it's my sacred place. I work alone most of the time, because I have a very strong introverted side, but I also have an extroverted side. So working alone fits me very well, and that's also why it's here where I come to think, look at images, read, and then I go out into the world again, and get inspired, and come back here, and process it. So my studio is a very special place to me, and it's, I guess, necessary for me to do my thing and to be me.

A: Do you do your art with UV and chemicals here as well?

I: No, I have a dark room on Islands Brygge, you know, where you develop your film, and that's also where I work. I just had a residency at the government's workshops, where I was able to work in large-scale. So the place that we are in now is more for editing pictures and reading, and working on my book, and then somewhere, because I'm working in large-scale, I have to find space elsewhere.

A: You mentioned you're working on your book, what’ll it consist of?

I: It's going to be a photo book and I'm very much in process right now. It has something to do with quantum physics and love. So it's me trying to push those two worlds together. My images. It's all about energies, I would say.

A: That's sounds so interesting and incredible. Looking forward to seeing it once it’s out! And what was the most exciting thing to learn at Fatamorgana, The Danish School of Art Photography? 

I: The most exciting thing about going to that school - it was life-changing for me going there because I met people who spoke the same language as me, and that's like the visual language of photography. I think that's definitely before and after for me going to that school, because the way we work with photography is so personal. So it's about finding yourself, and I definitely found myself going there.

A: That’s really cool. Can you tell me more about this blue canvas artwork? What’s the name?

I: The series is called ‘Autotroph', and that's the technical description of being self-nourished, like the first life on Earth, how we could... You know, we're sitting here today because something started many, many, many years ago, evolving. And this is a sci-fi story about what happens if the plastic in the ocean starts to create new life, evolve into new life forms. And so it's also about us as human beings, starting out a lot of things that we are not in control of.

A: Yeah, that makes sense. Also you told us that it can be part of the healing process. And also that the blue color means "calming" in the color theory.

I: Yeah, definitely. I guess maybe that's also the whole part of the process. When I started doing these pieces, I didn't care about others' opinion. I just made them because it was me. And I couldn't care less if people would like it. And then again, that's authenticity, right? So when you create, it's so important to shut out the noise. And be you in almost any situation, right? Always be true to yourself.

A: Absolutely and I think the best pieces that you create is when you're truly yourself.

A: We did a little dip dive, and you've taken part in multiple exhibitions, right? Which one was the most special to you?

I: I guess it was the first exhibition I had with a curator called Anja Soussan, because I really felt... I really felt that she saw me. And we, her and I have been talking a lot about that space where the curator meets the artist. How important it is that it's also a safe space. And at the same time, she pushes me. So I show her images, but in the most kind and gentle way, she pushes me to think about stuff in another way, or maybe I should do something like this. So our collaboration has been very unique. 

A: Is she your mentor?

I: No, she's my curator.

A: But did you have any mentors who also pushed you to explore more of yourself? Do you believe it's important to have mentors?

I: I think it's important that you reach out to your mentors when you need it. But constantly, I think it's very important to be pushed. But then again, sometimes I think it's important to have time where you listen to yourself and you're your own voice. So I guess it's a balance. I have several mentors and I think I'm very happy about sharing a dark room with another artist called Nicolai Howalt, because he's very inspiring as well. I think I meet a lot of inspiring people all the time. But then again, it's also a balance about having a few people that you can truly trust, that you can show your work and they’ll without a doubt tell you the truth.

A: I agree.

I: The beauty of critique.

A: And once you collaborated with microbiologist and Phd Bodil Kjelgaard, where you did this work where you merged robotic technology with photography. Do you think the fashion industry should be integrated with science more?

I: I think so. I think where the fashion industry is now is a perfect time to open up and start a new process. I think you're absolutely right. Science and fashion would be beautiful.

A: I think we have a couple of examples in fashion where both worlds merged, but I definitely believe that we should explore it more. So going back to modeling, when did you start your modeling career? 

I: I've been doing it since I was in my early 20s, more like commercials. But then it evolved into more still imagery and fashion in my late 30s. And I think it also has something to do about the fashion industry changing, especially here in Scandinavia at least. My runway debut was at 38, which I think is really cool.

A: I think it’s so cool! I love that the fashion industry is heading into a more inclusive direction.

I: No, but I appreciate it. I think young women are beautiful. I think women of all ages are beautiful. And I just really appreciate that we get to see more different types of women in the industry today. 

A: I'm so happy to see everybody. I want to see everyone in fashion. I think for a very long time, there were just so many stereotypes and so many strict beauty standards. And now it's evolving, and I really love to see it.

I: Yes!

A: Is modeling different from art and has it affected your daily life?

I: Of course, it's another process because you go on a shoot and then you are on. I guess it's a physical thing. I feel very privileged that I can work as a model because... I guess how should I phrase it? Modeling gives me totally creative freedom in my artwork, because I get an income from modeling and then I can be totally free. And I think as an artist that is such a privilege and I feel very lucky because fashion is also a lot of fun and there's a lot of amazing people in that world. So being able to go on a shoot and work and make some money for one day or two and then go back to my studio and do something else that I also love is... I'm very grateful.

A: It’s so nice that you can combine your two favourite things. 

I: I guess it's two different worlds and then there are creative energies in both worlds. One thing doesn't shut up the other. They can easily exist next to each other and maybe sometimes overlap, right?

A: I mean, yeah, I know it can be chaotic.

I: It would be a lie to say that life is not challenge, right?

A: And we're not perfect.

I: But we are trying to do our best. If you try to do your best, you're on a good path, right?

A: Exactly. And last questions, can you describe OpéraSPORT in three words?

I: Ooh.. movement.. I actually... Can I just think... I wrote something down because I did, of course, do my reach. I wrote something down. Let me just see. I would say movement, detail, and class. It’s pure class.

A: Ooh I love it! Yeah, I think it describes OpéraSPORT perfectly. Thank you so much for your time and a fabulous interview. It was really amazing to hear all about your art and see the world through your lens. 

I: Thank you so much for your time and for doing wonderful research.

A: It was my pleasure! Thank you again.