Singer Museum

This photo titled ‘The Elftheater’ was part of the exhibition ‘Droomkunst’ in the Singer Museum Laren. Showing works from the collection of Gerard van Wezel.

From the press release:

“The exhibition displays a fairy tale world of painting, photography and drawings from 1900 and 2000. The work in this exhibition comes from the private collection of Gerard van Wezel, a great lover of Symbolist art. While bringing together the collection, Van Wezel discovered many similarities between the art of the 1900s and those of around 2000.
Both periods produced art in which everything seemed possible. Art full of fantasy, balancing on the edge of decadence. Artists were, and still are, inspired by subjects from the world of fairy tales, legends, myths, religions or science fiction. The collection of Gerard van Wezel is a completely unique creation, built up over long years, from a strictly personal love for a certain type of art”.

The Elftheater

I am thrilled that my work ‘The Elftheater” was featured at this exhibition alongside the incredible works of all the other artists.

In 2000, I created “The Elftheater”, a photograph that belongs to my ‘Secret Dimensions’ series, where I aimed to capture the mystique of the Scottish landscape. It is a hand-made silver gelatin print since I worked entirely analog at the time.

Hand Retouching

Everything was done without a computer, from developing the film to printing and retouching. Retouching was the most challenging part of this process. I would spend days removing dust and scratches from large prints (90 x 70 cm or larger) with a small brush and retouching ink.

 

Pinhole Photography Process

I take my pictures on 4 x 5-inch sheet film using a self-made cardboard box as a pinhole camera. With a piece of rolled-up adhesive tape, I secure the film in the box. After each shot, I replace the negative in a changing bag. This usually happens in all kinds of weather conditions, which is why the negatives often end up covered with dust, stains and scratches.

While some argue that these imperfections are part of the process, I believe they act as a filter between the image and the viewer.

Rather, I want people to feel as if they are part of the scene.

 

From Analog to Digital: A Meditative Practice

Though I now use Photoshop for retouching, I still spend hours perfecting my images. The process is less stressful than before and has become a meditative practice that clears my mind and fuels my creativity. It helps me continue working on new projects while still preserving the patience I developed in the analog days.

 

The value of Silver Prints

Seeing ‘The Elftheater’ again in the exhibition made me truly appreciate the special quality of silver prints. Many photographers share this sentiment.

I recently read an article about the photo lab Whitewall. They claim the perfect combination: classic baryta photo paper and digital exposure. I guess it’s worth a try. When I do, I’ll promise to keep you posted.

My image in the exhibition, together with work from Henricus, Langs de Kust, 1900 and Alice Stepanek & Steven Maslin, Untitled-1/06, 2006

A catalog has been published to accompany the exhibition.

Like to know more about the exhibition? Listen to a fragment of the radio program ‘Nooit Meer Slapen’ (Dutch).

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