Karoline Hjorth and Riitta Ikonen .

Karoline Hjorth and Riitta Ikonen are a Norwegian-Finnish artist duo known for their collaborative photography project, “Eyes as Big as Plates.” Started in 2011, their work initially explored Nordic folklore and the personification of nature. It has since expanded to a global scale, with the artists traveling to over 14 countries to create portraits of people in nature. The name of the project comes from a folk tale about a curious troll, which is fitting since curiosity is a key part of their process. In the series, Karoline and Riitta create unique portraits where their subjects are dressed in “wearable sculptures” made from materials found in their surroundings. The artists work together with the subjects, turning the process into a conversation about humanity’s connection to the environment. Part photography, part sculpture, and part performance, the project aims to redefine how both nature and older generations are viewed. Their work has been featured in major art institutions worldwide, including The Museum of Contemporary Arts Kiasma in Finland and The Chimney Gallery in New York City. The series has also led to a book that was nominated for the prestigious Paris Photo-Aperture Foundation Photobook Awards in 2017. Their ongoing collaboration continues to be a powerful exploration of our relationship with the world around us.