This global economic crisis is a wake up call for all of us.
To reflect on our actions and to make deeper inquiries first.

Thanks to the current financial crisis it has come to light that seemingly separate choices affect society as a whole. This is true of individual choices but also of decisions made by bankers, entrepreneurs, shareholders or governments, nationally and globally.
We are connected. If individual choices can affect society as a whole, why not take up the challenge to build a sustainable society and future?

When this crisis started I promised myself to cherish what is precious to me and not to become cynical. To continue spending money. To contribute to the debate on a sustainable future, by embarking on this photography project ‘Day for Night’. Because, I strongly believe that each and everyone of us can make a difference.

In the summer of 2009 and the winter of 2010 I travelled to Iceland to portray how Icelanders are dealing with the effects of the global economic crisis on their lives. It was at a historic moment in time as Iceland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were in heavy negotiations on how to refund Dutch and British savers of the Icelandic internet bank Icesave, who had lost their money when this bank collapsed in 2008.
Huge amounts of money were involved.
Who was to blame? Or were we all?

For three months I travelled all around the island, meeting people from all walks of life. The 38 persons I invited to take part in ‘Day for Night’, were people I met along the way, or those who were recommended to me. They openly shared their views with me and it was a great pleasure and privilege to meet them.



My three main questions to them were:

1. What in life is most precious to you?

2. How does this economic crisis affect your life as a person and the field you are working in as a professional?

3. What changes are necessary for Iceland to overcome this crisis and get a sustainable economic future? What could you do to contribute?



Furthermore, I captured Iceland’s natural beauty. Powerful landscapes that ‘remind us’ of the origin of the world, the earth we derive from and depend on.
I photographed during the bright and energizing summer nights and short winter days. In the summer, the nights turn into days by the light of the never setting sun.
In my project ‘Day for Night’ the light also has a symbolic meaning. In my opinion the current recession, this economically dark period, may turn into a day which may inspire us to review our consumer choices and financial responsibilities. It may give us an opportunity to enter into respectful international relationships and to value slow interest and sustainable profit.



Let’s start making a difference by asking each other:
‘What in life is most precious to you?’

When we live up to our answer
we achieve integrity
as an individual, society and international community.
We will change our world.


With best regards, með kveðju, met vriendelijke groeten,
Gerdien Wolthaus Paauw - photographer

Please note: this webpage will be exended with contributions of ‘big thinkers’ on a sustainable economic future from Iceland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.