Artist's Statement

Espen Krukhaug: The project Before Dawn began in the last months of 2004. During this project, I have explored night time and the insomnia and solitary aspects that comes with it.

I have always had a natural attraction towards the quiet moments of night time. These neglected moments hold so much beauty that people take for granted during daytime. Everyday life contains a well known stress-factor that brings us from a to b. But nocturnal shades throw a different light. With so much light-pollution in the cities, it will never be fully dark. But still, these colors and shades are sources for incredible colors in my work.

The images are taken in China, England, Norway, Russia, Scotland and USA.

Artist's Statement

"In the series "Bifröst" Espen Krukhaug explores the realm of insomnia, a condition endured by millions of people, including myself and the models featured in this book. Using our own experiences as a basis, we have tried to portray the strange and delirious thoughts brought on by lack of sleep. As with an ill person or an addict, this loss of control can trick one's perception, clouding the usual distinctions between reality and dream. When body and soul are deprived of the proper experience of wakefulness and sleep, the result is an abnormal existence in which the mind seems to feed on itself. In this environment, even the smallest obstacles or concerns can seem insurmountable."