ANJA NIEMI: A Naturalist Guide to Magic

In her fifth monograph, A Naturalist Guide to Magic, Norwegian photographer Anja Niemi again embodies a solitary, self-cast character. However, this time, the spotlight drifts toward the essence of nature itself. Niemi’s black-and-white photographs, set against expansive cinematic landscapes, transcend mere imagery to become a hopeful exploration of returning to the instinctual bond between humans and the natural world.

The narrative follows the fictional character, The Naturalist, on a transformative journey of discovery, initially inspired by Niemi’s experiences with a young horse, Mercury. Through lyrical imagery interspersed with Niemi’s poetic notes, the book captures the profound dialogues that can occur between different species, showcasing the magic often overlooked in everyday life. As The Naturalist navigates her adventure, she uncovers a language of connection she had forgotten, learning vital lessons about kindness, equality and the significance of listening.

A Naturalist Guide to Magic invites readers to reflect on the lessons we can learn from the natural world and its sentient beings. It serves as a gentle reminder of how far we have strayed from our instinctive connections with nature and its invaluable wisdom we often disregard. It encourages us to develop a deeper appreciation for the world around us and become more harmonious participants in the natural order.

“Between two realms—that of reality and imagination—Niemi probes at a range of burning questions. Whose wishes take precedence in a world where human control is the status quo? Where do our fingerprints leave indelible traces on the landscapes we inhabit? And if we can learn to talk to an animal, what’s to be learnt from a meadow, a river, a tree or a stone?” —George King, from the foreword in A Naturalist Guide to Magic

ANJA NIEMI (b. 1976, Norway) consistently works alone, often placing herself within her meticulously crafted tableaux. She constructs fictional narratives where she serves as both the author and the character. Niemi’s work engages with themes that resonate with the human experience rather than being limited to personal reflections. Although her poetic stories are entirely imagined—often inspired by film and literature—they create an intimate space for genuine discussions about identity, conformity, and our connection to the natural world. Niemi studied at the London College of Printing in Paris and Parsons School of Design in New York. She has exhibited her work in galleries worldwide, and her photographs are included in various public and private collections. A Naturalist Guide to Magic is her fifth monograph.

GEORGE H. KING  (b. 1993, UK) is a London-based writer and editor focusing on intersections of contemporary photography, culture, politics and society. A graduate of Liberal Arts & Sciences from University College Utrecht, the Netherlands, King previously worked as Editor-in-Chief of Unseen Magazine and Assistant Editor of Foam Magazine. His writing has been featured in the likes of IMA Magazine, The British Journal of Photography, Trigger and Yet Magazine.

Published by Skeleton Key Press, May 2025
ISBN 978-82-692410-9-9
19.5 x 27 cm (7.7 x 10.6 in)
Hardcover (clothbound/tipped-in images (front and back)/foil stamped spine), 152 pages, 69 duotone plates
Edited & designed by Anja Niemi and Russell Joslin
Foreword by George King; Poetry by Anja Niemi
Text in English

First Edition limited to 400 copies, including 20 Special Edition copies available directly from Anja Niemi