Hannah Modigh, Swedish photographer born in Stockholm in 1980 is known for her strong and moving pictures. Together, her passionate words and evocative photos beautifully bring to life the soulful magic found deep within the Appalachian Mountains. In her mid-20s, this started an exhilarating adventure into wild territory. She was inspired by the people and stories that were born from Appalachia’s rich landscape that awaited her.
In the past year, Modigh’s work has received widespread acclaim within in the photography community. In 2010, her photo monograph Hillbilly Heroin, Honey was awarded the Swedish photo monograph of the year award. This recognition awarded her the affirmation she needed to pursue her artistic endeavors. For her project Hurricane Season, she received a nomination for the prestigious Prix Pictet. This collaborative project resulted in a beautiful exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V+A).
Through the years, Modigh’s central focus has been cultivating deep-rooted connections with the families he serves in Appalachia. One such family is the Taylors, and more specifically, siblings Laken, Josh, and Derrick. Invited to Thanksgiving dinner, the time spent with this family would further cement Modigh’s bond to the city and its community. She has kept in touch with Laken Taylor, who recently graduated and still reports from the area, giving her perspective on life in the region.
While deep in Appalachia, Modigh encountered a social worker. The visiting social worker cautioned her against going to St. Charles, a tight-knit community often known for its struggles. In spite of this admonition, Modigh was drawn to this mysterious, hazardous place and visited it several times during the last three years. She documented her journey through photography. The most powerful shot in the film might be the one with Carter, Derrick’s son, and that moment intimately illustrated by his mother, Makayla.
As a filmmaker, Modigh said she was inspired by the Taylor family’s close-knit ties and their rich relationship with nature. She wants to show that the affection people have for the mountains is tangible in her work – especially in her photos of St Charles.
“Hillbilly Heroin, Honey won the Swedish photo book of the year prize in 2010, which gave me validation to continue. Plus the Prix Pictet nomination for Hurricane Season, and accompanying exhibition at the V&A in London this year.” – Hannah Modigh
Her artistic philosophy emphasizes collaboration. She advises fellow photographers to engage with individuals they enjoy and respect, stating, “Collaborate with people you have fun with and respect.”
That marriage of love and creativity has influenced Modigh’s artistic work in deep and powerful ways. The Appalachian landscape is not only her landscape, but a character in its own right in her photographs. Through each photograph she takes, she hopes to honor the stories, struggles and joys of those who live among the peaks.