Beginner’s pluck: Swedish photographer Lina Scheynius

'Diary of an Ending' is a hybrid of memoir and autofiction that explores ideas about art and creativity, sex, and passion

In 2016, Lina Scheynius self-published the first of numerous photo books. In the latest, she included extracts from her diary.

Lina was telling stories before she was able to write.

“My kindergarten teacher wrote them down for me,” she says.

She’s kept a diary since she was nine years old but photography has always been her passion.

“I got my first camera when I was 10.”

Aged 17, Lina left home and started modelling.

I modelled for 10 years but it was very challenging. And my mum was concerned that I’d had no education.

When Lina started posting photographs on an internet forum, her work attracted attention.

“An agency contacted me, and I did some commercial photography. I made money, and my mum was impressed.

“But I really love photographing people around me, and intimate things.”

In 2012, Lina gained a photo column in a German newspaper.

“I had to write as well, and I loved it.”

In 2016, she self-published the first of numerous photo books. In the latest, she included extracts from her diary.

“The book was mainly photos but it told of a relationship I’d had covering four years.”

A publisher, impressed, encouraged Lina to write Diary of an Ending.

Prominent on social media, where she posts her photographs, Lena has exhibited in solo shows in Zurich, Tokyo, Oslo, Berlin, and London, and in numerous group exhibitions in prominent galleries.

Who is Lina Scheynius?

Date/place of birth: 1981/ Vänersborg, Sweden.

Education: “A normal Swedish school in Trollhättan.”

Home: “I live between London and Sweden.”

Family: “Parents, a nephew and niece, a lover, and lots of amazing friends.”

The day job: Photographer.

In another life: “I’ve had an amazing life as a human. I’d like to be an elephant or a bird.”

Favourite writers: Tove Jansson; Annie Ernaux.

Second book: “I’ve started writing one in my head.”

Top tip: A tip for diary writers. “Keep the diary a secret; only then will you feel free.”

Website: www.linascheynius.com

Instagram: @linascheynius

The debut

Diary of an Ending

(with translations by Saskia Vogel)

Prototype Books, €18.85

An illustrated mixture of diary extracts and reflective essays, this hybrid of memoir and autofiction explores ideas about art and creativity, sex, and passion. “I hope that people will relate to this and find it comforting.”

The verdict: A brave, raw, and honest account of dysfunction, heartbreak, and recovery.