Sunniva Hestenes → A Tear for Someone Undeserving

Sunniva Hestenes’ (b. 1999, Norway) "A Tear for Someone Undeserving" emerges as a visual narrative shaped by the sudden death of their mother. In response to the loss, Hestenes embarks on an introspective journey that navigates the intricate landscape of familial relationships and emotional complexity. 

The audiences is confronted with a fusion of the ordinary and the ethereal, where omens foreshadowing tragedy intermingle with documentation of funeral rites and archival glimpses into a relationship that will forever remain stagnant. Each image serves as a reminder of the journey toward acceptance, as Hestenes grapples with the complexities of grief and the enduring echoes of familial discord. 

At the heart of the narrative lies a series of images captured in 2006, where the innocence of a child's gaze serves as a testament to the passage of time. Among these images are snapshots of the child's most cherished possessions, each laden with profound significance. Notably, among them is a photograph of the child's mother, captured in a moment of vulnerable intoxication. This act of documentation encapsulates the complex emotions and weighty responsibilities thrust upon the child at a tender age. The camera lens becomes a tool through which the child navigates the intricacies of their familial dynamic, grappling with the dual roles of caregiver and witness to their parent's struggles. 

"A Tear for Someone Undeserving" transcends mere contemplation of mortality; it serves as a  visual exploration of the intricate tapestry of relationships and illustrates the symbolic resonance that images carry, long after they were captured. Through Hestenes' subtle lens, the book emerges as a testament to the complexities inherent in the human experience, offering insight into an emotional terrain shaped by loss, substance abuse, and strained familial bonds, oscillating between moments of raw vulnerability and quiet resilience.