Albert Elm's photographic autobiography, This Much Is True, is a captivating exploration of the absurdity and beauty in our world. Through his lens, Elm captures the essence of a nomadic childhood, where the camera becomes a trusted companion in a sea of new experiences. The book presents a unique perspective on suburban life, natural formations, and the interplay between life and death, all through a lens that feels both alien and eerily familiar.
Elm's work is a testament to the power of photography as an art form. He states, "The title suggests that it’s time to stop and reflect – to move on and say: ‘Now at least I know this much is true’ – which is hard to be certain about in a ‘post-truth era.’" This sentiment resonates deeply, as Elm's images challenge the viewer to question their own perceptions of reality. From tiny glasses with dentures hanging off the rim to bright green hedges carved into the shapes of dolphins, the scenes are surreal and thought-provoking.
Elm's personal journey of moving around the country as a child has shaped his perspective. He says, "Being on the move a lot and alone at an early age left me with the feeling of belonging everywhere and nowhere. I learned that people feel similarly and share the same concerns. Only small things differ. And those things are interesting to find and point out playfully. Especially in increasingly polarised times."
This Much Is True is an exercise in empathy, an attempt to understand and interpret the world. Elm's work invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and to appreciate the beauty in the mundane. He captures the essence of life's small wonders, like a dog hounding at food scraps on the pavement, and transforms them into something extraordinary.
Elm's approach to photography is akin to playing chess with a ticking clock. He explains, "I think photography and bookmaking is like playing chess with a clock. When the time is on it’s all about intuition and experience. Sometimes it’s hard to explain why you press the shutter at that exact moment. But everything you ever learned makes you act subconsciously."
The title of the book, This Much Is True, is a powerful statement, echoing the lyrics of the Spandau Ballet song and the Wally Lamb novel. It speaks to the uncertainty and confusion in the world, but also to the personal truths that can be found within it. Elm's work is a testament to the idea that even in a post-truth era, there is beauty and truth to be found in the most unexpected places.
