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In Niemi’s series Starlets, she continues to combine the self-portrait with the idea of the staged narrative. The images are like film stills or movie posters, with herself cast as all the characters. Niemi calls herself a ‘one-man band’, as she always works alone. The stories are loosely told leaving room for interpretation, and although it is mostly fiction this time, ” there will always be a bit of me in them” she says, believing that private experiences helps to create universal statements. She often multiplies myself, to look at inner conflicts or the contrast between what we show and who we are. The images possess an eerie, unreal quality, combining tragedy with humor. “We have a tendency to cover up our flaws and decay, hiding all the ugliness of life and I try to have a bit of humor about it.”

Source: The Little Black Gallery