Pride Exhibition: Heikki Pölönen - The Bear's Gaze

Bears are known in queer circles as a body-positive community where everyone can be themselves.

But how does a bear see himself? Could a photograph help one see oneself a little more acceptingly? Visual journalism master Heikki Pölönen seeks answers through photography.

Thus The Bear's Gaze was born - an exhibition about self-portraiture and community. The people we see in the images are not passive subjects of photography but active participants. Each of them has chosen for themselves how they want to be seen.

The photo sessions offer a place to pause and reflect on and articulate one's own relationship to bear culture. Pölönen's role is to walk alongside in the process and show through photographs new sides of those photographed. Sides that feel good to them.

The exhibition also highlights those who keep Finland's bear culture alive. People who make enormous efforts so that others can feel a sense of belonging on sweaty dance floors and embrace-filled evenings and be seen for who they are.

The Bear's Gaze is one stage of an exploration journey. The journey continues and will hopefully bring many new insights to both the photographer and many new subjects.

Heikki Pölönen
Instagram: @hesep