The handwritten journal Forloren Skildpadde was published in 1837 by ↗︎ Camilla Collett and ↗︎ Emilie Diriks. The two friends, both in their twenties, served as the editors and the only writers for the publication. Forloren Skildpadde is a remarkable example of how self-publication could create a platform for expression in a time women and alike had few if any arenas to publicly be seen and heard. Through intense writing, Collett and Diriks’ letters contained not only advice and constructive critique but also courage and motivation — they thought each other how to write, and to get better. With Forloren Skildpadde they created a space where they could define what was worth giving attention and how on their own terms. This book search for a better understanding of what made it possible to accomplish Forloren Skildpadde — despite the narrow gender roles and lack of social plasticity at the time. It also frames how their publishing is part of a larger context and related to other independent publications at that time and up to this day. (Preface, translation by Karmaklubb*)
After almost ten years research, this book by Nina Mauno Schjønsby has become the most extensive document of the writings between Collett and Diriks. Enjoy. All photos by Nina Mauno Schjønsby. Hot tip: ↗︎ Watch Schjønsby presened the book at Karmaklubb* “Art and public space: Queer in/visibility as activism — Chapter 1 of 2” at Kunstnernes Hus, 20 January 2024.
*** UPDATE: After coming from print in June, the book will ↗︎ OFFICIALLY LAUNCH 22 AUGUST at 16:30 at Tronsmo Bokhandel, Universitetsgata 12, Oslo!! ↗︎ FB event here (it became a full house!!) *** UPDATE 2: Find ↗︎ a beautiful review of the book in Vinduet, 6 September 2024 by Julie K. Asplund and Emma Aars. ***
All turquoise photos courtesy of ↗︎ Marie Sjøvold, 2024.
