Mot strømmen - Against the current
A photographic investigation into the origin, processing and significance of a global foodstuff
Salmon is one of the world’s most popular edible fish, whether aquaculture or wild-caught, as a symbol of modern nutrition and luxury. My photographic project deals with the multi-layered history and present of salmon: as a product, as a cultural asset and as an ecological phenomenon.
As part of my final thesis under the direction of Sibylle Fendt at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie in Berlin, I am creating a long-term visual documentation that examines various aspects along the entire salmon value chain. The focus is on places and people involved in its farming, processing, preparation and consumption.
The project explores the tensions between tradition and industrialization, between local identity and global marketing, between natural cycles and artificial interventions. From the Norwegian fjords to German supermarkets and upscale restaurants, the journey of the salmon points to the complexity of our modern food system.
Time Schedule
June – August 2025
Location search, establishing contacts, editorial preparation. Discussions with experts from fish farming, trade, gastronomy and science.
September – April 2026
Photographic work on location: salmon farming (e.g. land-based or open water), processing plants, transportation routes, restaurants, markets and portraits of people involved.
May 2026
Design of a photo book, development of an exhibition and planning of accompanying texts and formats.
June – August 2026
Vernissage & exhibition. Place and date to be announced.
Photographic realization
Various photographic works are being created as part of the project:
Portraits of people working along the salmon production chain, from fish farmers and processors to chefs and consumers.
Landscape photographs of farms, natural habitats and industrial processing sites documenting the spatial dimensions of salmon production.
Still life and detail shots that show tools, materials and visual traces of processing and preparation, making both industrial and artisanal processes visible.
This multi-layered approach creates a comprehensive visual narrative that sheds light on the economic as well as the cultural and ecological dimensions of this global foodstuff.
I am currently looking for partners and supporters who are interested in becoming part of this documentary project. These could be
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Salmon farms
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Restaurants with maritime cuisine
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Individuals from fisheries, environmental initiatives or the food trade
If you are interested in working with me or would like to find out more about the project, I look forward to hearing from you:
mail@perjacobblut.de
+49(0)17664076543
Kind regards and many thanks for your time,
Per Jacob Blut
