erika larsen

Erika Larsen has been captivated by the paradoxes of existence from an early age, a fascination that has shaped her work as a storyteller. For over twenty-four years, she has crafted photographic essays, documentaries, and monographs, merging writing and visuals to explore the human experience across diverse cultures. Her narratives are rooted in rigorous research and delve into science, spirituality, philosophy, and the environment. Central themes in her work include the science of belief, rituals, alterations of consciousness, spirituality, our connection to the natural world, traditional ecological knowledge, and the processes of death and transformation.

Erika believes that storytelling requires reciprocity—you should never ask more from a story than you are willing to give of yourself. Stories are not simply told or taken; they are co-created, fluid expressions of how we communicate with one another and the universe. This co-creative process is vital for expanding consciousness and understanding. As such, she prioritizes decentering her individual perspective, inviting diverse modes of perception and creative discovery into the heart of her work.

She is a National Geographic Explorer, educator, and mentor whose work has been included in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, National Geographic Society, Fotografiska Museum, University of Kentucky Art Museum, and the United States Embassy in Oslo.