In Norse Mythology the word Bifröst is used to describe a burning rainbow bridge that spans between earth and the realm of the gods. In his recent monograph, Espen Krukhaug uses the term Bifröst and a series of photographs in an effort to describe what it's like to suffer from insomnia. In the preface he writes, "I can imagine a good night's sleep, but it always seems just out of reach, as if I'm walking across an endless bridge, never reaching the other side."

Krukhaug presents a series of images that are easy on the eyes. The photographs are well crafted but often employ an eerie colorcast, infusing each image with a poetic and dreamlike ambience. These green, pink and purple tones provide context and a suitable backdrop for Krukhaug's subjects who seem plagued by the penetrating light of a city that is never dark.

Bifröst includes images of dimly lit interior spaces and semi urban landscapes veiled by a sheath of darkness. These photographs seem appropriate and represent scenes that an insomniac might encounter on a midnight stroll. But Krukhaug also photographs models that supposedly suffer from sleep deprivation. Fortunately for him, insomnia seems to only affect young indie/hipster women that like to lounge partially nude in their bedrooms under soft light. The pages of this book are littered with heroin chic faces, either engaging the camera with a come-hither gaze or staring into oblivion in a deep contemplative state. These images are sure to help sell additional copies of Bifröst, but in my opinion detract from the credibility of Krukhaug's investigation.

The strongest images in this book are those that elevate the mundane elements of every day life to monumental status. In Krukhaug's world a wrinkled sheet is transformed into an expansive mountain range. Pebbles, cobblestone, and dust on a dirty path begin to form alien landscapes. The artist uses blur to create beautiful abstract images that remind me of color field paintings by Mark Rothko. This approach to image making begins to describe the psychological state of a suffering insomniac.

Bifröst includes about 80 images in a single hardbound volume. The photographs are beautiful but sometimes redundant and a bit self-indulgent. Krukhaug's artist statement is the only informative text printed in the book, so as a reader you won't be overwhelmed by artspeak or intellectual ballyhoo. I like this book because I see it for what it is: a series of beautiful photographs, made by a skilled photographer with a poetic vision. I think you will like it too. —Daniel W. Coburn