Lately I have been interested in abstract images and images inspired by mind and inner reality. Some of the images are staged and utilize multiple layers. My interest includes compositions that are unexpected, and surreal images that expresses the dreamlike nature of our minds. In general, I photograph a wide range of motifs, such as people, animals, plants, nature, cities, and my photo subjects ranges from small details to wide landscapes.

I was an avid photographer already as a teenager and had my first darkroom at the age of 12. During these years, I worked in darkrooms at both Agfa Gevaert and Fotoknudsen. My professional career was, however, not in photography or other visual arts, but as a biologist (website). Becoming partially retired in recent years, it has given me the opportunity to spend more time on my old interest, and only now have I taken some education in photography. I have also become more aware of the possibility of using a camera to create art, which combines well with my interest for art from many visits in art galleries over the years.

Photo art education:

Oslo Fotokunstskole – section photo art, evening school, 2024 –2026.

Bilder Nordic School of Photography (Kristiania University of Applied Sciences) - Basic photography and technique, 2023 – 2024.

Workshop «The one picture», Hedevig Anker, 24-25 Jan, 28 Feb-1 Mar 2026.

Workshop on making a photo book, Greger Ulf Nilson and Jan Walaker, 29-30 Nov 2025.

Workshop with Maude Schuyler Clay and Langdon Clay, 18-19 Oct 2025.

Exhibitions:

Galleri Melk, the exhibition Presens,  4 – 9 June 2026. Title: «Where is the self?»

Oslo Fotokunstskole, open day, 5 March 2026. Title: «Ivar's room».

Oslo Fotokunstskole, Christmas exhibition, 16-18 December 2025. Untitled.

Ås kulturhus, Ås kunstforening, collective exhibition 15 – 23 November 2025. Title: «Think».

Oslo Fotokunstskole, annual exhibition – collective exhibition, 10-13 June 2025. Title: «Imprint».

Kulturhuset i Oslo. collective exhibition Oslo fotokunstskole. Untitled. 11-16 December 2024.

Oslo Fotokunstskole, open day, joint exhibition, March 2025. Title: «1968».

Ås kulturhus, collective exhibition Ås kunstforening, November 11 - 24, 2024. Title: «Look at the sea».

Ås kulturhus, collective collective exhibition, Ås kunstforening, November 18 - 26, 2023. Title: «Beggars».

Photo books:

1968. Bjørn Økland 2025. Gyldenhale Books. ISBN 978-82-694535-0-8. Preview.

Kulde og varme. Bjørn Økland 2024. Selvpublisert. Preview.