Behind the Mask

Counternarratives in John Møller's Photographs from Greenland, 1889-1922

Abstract

The first Greenlandic photographer, John Møller, produced over 3000 images in the period 1889-1922. This article seeks to analyse and contextualise selected images from Møller’s practice. In doing so, the article explores the photographer’s agency on composition choices, power dynamics and colonial hierarchies. Furthermore, the article suggests that Møller, through counternarratives in his visual representations, unveils nuanced reflections of power dynamics and a subtle critique and resistance that served to undermine the Danish colonial authority in Greenland.