British photographer Juno Calypso is well known for her self-portraits taken in a series of dusky pink bathrooms in 2015. The much-acclaimed series, The Honeymoon Suite, explored essentially two things, she told Refinery29 UK back in 2016: "Desire and disappointment. And I like to find humour in the path from one to the other. There’s a certain level of irony in all of my images. An important lesson I’ve learnt along the way is that humour is a powerful tool for women."
Calypso's new exhibition, What To Do With A Million Years, which is now open at London's TJ. Boulting gallery until 23rd June, may be a departure from the overt femininity she explores in her previous work, but the photographer is still intent on digging beyond surface-level beauty to explore the darker, more disturbing sides of humanity. Specifically: death and the prospect of eternal life. We spoke to Calypso about her eerie yet beguiling new work.
Can you tell us about the location of the series? Why did it appeal to you?
The images were shot in an underground house in Nevada, built 26 feet below ground in the late 1960s but kept intact to the present day. It was built by an Avon CEO and his wife who lived down there full-time. It has a swimming pool, guest house, dance floor, barbecue and an artificial garden surrounding the house, with lights that can switch from dawn to daylight to dusk.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
What are the main themes you explore?
The current owners have an interest in cryonics and immortality so that really influenced the work. I liked the similar interest of anti-ageing and preservation between the first and current occupants.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
How did the exhibition come about in the first place and how long has it been in the making?
I first went to the house in August last year. Then in January I went for three weeks to do more research and finish it.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
What was your inspiration for the photo series?
I found a box all about the house in the local archive, plus the house had a library of cryonic material. Both of those and being alone in the house became the inspiration.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
Were you trying to say anything in particular about femininity?
Femininity was the focus of my previous work but this one, even though it features a feminine woman, deals more with ideas around mortality.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
How would you say the photos compare to your previous work?
This is the first time I’ve been able to step back and shoot myself from outside the window of a house. Because the house is built within an artificial garden, I could be outside without actually having to be outside. If you know what I mean.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
What do you want people to take away from the exhibition?
I feel like I achieved something already by going and staying there, so I’m just excited and interested to see what people make of it.
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
Which is your favourite photo in the series?
I like the tinfoil legs. It was so hard keeping it on. It’s called "Die Now, Pay Later".
Photography Juno Calypso, courtesy TJ Boulting.
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