FISK is an ongoing documentary project by Petra Valdimarsdóttir and Hrafnhildur Gissurardóttir that explores fishing communities worldwide, capturing the lives of the people behind the industry. Through photography and interviews, the project sheds light on the individuals whose livelihoods depend on the sea, revealing their stories, challenges, and resilience.
The project began in 2009 when Petra traveled to China to photograph underground fish factories while working on a website design for a client. This initial assignment sparked a deep fascination with the people working behind the scenes in the fishing industry. Over time, FISK evolved into a larger exploration of fishing cultures across different continents.
In Guet N’dar, Senegal, Petra and Hrafnhildur continued their research, documenting the daily lives of the fishing village’s workers. While Petra captured their world through photography, Hrafnhildur conducted interviews, collecting personal narratives of those who spend their lives at sea. This phase of the project was made possible with support from SÍM (The Association for Icelandic Artists), allowing for a deeper engagement with the community and a more comprehensive visual and narrative documentation.
By weaving together images and voices, FISK presents an intimate portrait of fishing communities, offering insight into a way of life often unseen yet vital to global food systems. The project continues to grow, seeking out new perspectives and untold stories from fishing cultures around the world.