When Benjamin, Florence and I arrive at the monastery on Halsnøy, we are reminded that we are here to work. This is not a vacation. I am here to take photos, that is my job, which it turns out I’m not very good at doing.

One night we sit down to a candle lit meal together in the period dining room, surrounded by empty tables and chairs. The luxury of all this space. One room bigger than my entire apartment. Benjamin sings us a Jewish prayer before we eat. These are the sorts of moments you cherish artist residencies for. Like a (working) holiday with friends you haven’t yet made, and may never see again (but very much hope you will).

Before bed, Benjamin and I perform the ritual of ‘tick check’ or ‘ass check’ (American pronunciation, blame it on Scandinavia) which involves scanning his naked body with a bicycle light. When I’m gone, I tell him, Florence will have to do this you know…