all pictures from the series “Young Heroes”. 1995-1996

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After studies at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki JOUKO LEHTOLA worked as a press photographer, mostly covering the music scene. Quite soon he found it rather monotonous and turned the camera to the audience. Festivals and rave parties became his returning working field, which also gave him access to these sociological depictions.

Young Heroes (1995-96) is probably one of the most discussed series LEHTOLA has made. It portrays young teenagers partying in the Finnish summer. It is early morning, and the night has left its unmistakable marks. The kids are drunk, bruised and dirty; some have found a one-night stand, others have been in fights.

The title of the series alludes to the heroism of surviving a night in which the party really transforms into a battleground. In LEHTOLA‘s interpretations the kids are modern-day heroes who weekend after weekend struggle for dear life to retain their position in the group.

“LEHTOLA’s pictures don’t always describe beauty. He could get horribly close to his subjects, each portrait feeling like an unveiling” – by JOHAN CRONEMAN

JOUKO LEHTOLA passed away last month on Saturday, September 11.

Cool kids can’t die!