Sometimes its necessary to take ourselves out of the stress and worries of everyday life, the rituals of work and deadlines, bills and future plans and see the world for what it is, a place outside human interference that can offer us a small measure of peace and tranquility. And that is what Erwin Van Den Brande has done in these photographs from his series ‘The World That Surrounds Us”.
This collection of pictures look to decontextualise familiar scenes in order to make them timeless, captivating, a respite from the modern world, from consumerism and cultural dictatorships. It’s an attempt to create an idyll, an open space for contemplation, rest, peace, a sort of zen garden in which we can lose ourselves in the moment without care for the past or future.
To this end the photographs are simple. They want to transport us to a place we can never reach, they are a view of an impossibility that we can glimpse at but never grasp. They appeal to our suffering but torture us in their reflective glory. This duality makes them difficult to look at for the longer you wallow in their aura the more likely you are to fall short, count your shortcomings, take residence in the worst aspects of your life. So tread carefully. Rest easy. Breathe deep.
Source: Morai Mair of MutantSpace
His work is described as Universal, timeless, yet modern and refined. His imagery entices the observer, allowing the observer to dwell upon the image, without infringing on the aesthetics.
At the early age of 17 years old, Erwin Van den Brande was already a photographer. As many 70’s youths he was confronted with the budding medium that was photography. As so many others, he discovered the joys of having his own dark room. Albeit in those days his areas of interest were typically rock concerts and holiday photography, he was awarded various prizes. In that respect Erwin Van den Brande was ranked 2nd during the Procter&Gamble competition for best “Dreft” advert and he won a photography competition pertaining to old buildings in Mechelen by entering a photo collage. During a lengthy period, for various reasons, photography was placed on the back burner. More than 2 decades later photography was taken up again and Erwin Van den Brande enrolled himself in a photography school in Antwerp. He was subsequently, once again, captivated by photography and found inspiration from contemporary photographers from the 60’s and 70’s.
Erwin Van den Brande enjoys frequenting photography expositions and a yearly trip to the Photo Festival in Arles (France) has become a tradition. The future of photography mainly interests him: how will photography evolve in the coming years, what will be the impact of digital processing, how will other art forms affect photography? Additionally questions pertaining to aesthetics: what makes a photograph attractive, how do other cultures in other countries view photography?
Source Tempo Medical Magazine November 2011 and April 2015
http://www.tempo30.be/publications/nl/376/files/assets/basic-html/page12.html
Throughout life it is important to regularly stop and look at the world that surrounds us. Moreover we must try to spot the unusual and extraordinary things around us and take the time to contemplate the effect they have on us emotionally and what message we can take from them. It is also important to behold these emotions and messages in a temperate and interested manner.
Photography helps me to stop and look around and see unusual things.
My photos must have the intention to display the messages contained therein.
Moreover, photos often help us to look at the past and things that are around us in a gentler and more interested way.
Quote by Erwin Van den Brande
We also find these images truly amazing: they instill calmness and serenity.
Who would not want them on the wall of his house?
We are proud to work with such an excellent artist!
In Italy we always say in Latin:
Ad mayor ! that is, to greater things!
Quote by Jelmoni Gallery - Milan - Italy
This collection of pictures look to decontextualise familiar scenes in order to make them timeless, captivating, a respite from the modern world, from consumerism and cultural dictatorships. It’s an attempt to create an idyll, an open space for contemplation, rest, peace, a sort of zen garden in which we can lose ourselves in the moment without care for the past or future.
To this end the photographs are simple. They want to transport us to a place we can never reach, they are a view of an impossibility that we can glimpse at but never grasp. They appeal to our suffering but torture us in their reflective glory. This duality makes them difficult to look at for the longer you wallow in their aura the more likely you are to fall short, count your shortcomings, take residence in the worst aspects of your life. So tread carefully. Rest easy. Breathe deep.
Source: Morai Mair of MutantSpace
His work is described as Universal, timeless, yet modern and refined. His imagery entices the observer, allowing the observer to dwell upon the image, without infringing on the aesthetics.
At the early age of 17 years old, Erwin Van den Brande was already a photographer. As many 70’s youths he was confronted with the budding medium that was photography. As so many others, he discovered the joys of having his own dark room. Albeit in those days his areas of interest were typically rock concerts and holiday photography, he was awarded various prizes. In that respect Erwin Van den Brande was ranked 2nd during the Procter&Gamble competition for best “Dreft” advert and he won a photography competition pertaining to old buildings in Mechelen by entering a photo collage. During a lengthy period, for various reasons, photography was placed on the back burner. More than 2 decades later photography was taken up again and Erwin Van den Brande enrolled himself in a photography school in Antwerp. He was subsequently, once again, captivated by photography and found inspiration from contemporary photographers from the 60’s and 70’s.
Erwin Van den Brande enjoys frequenting photography expositions and a yearly trip to the Photo Festival in Arles (France) has become a tradition. The future of photography mainly interests him: how will photography evolve in the coming years, what will be the impact of digital processing, how will other art forms affect photography? Additionally questions pertaining to aesthetics: what makes a photograph attractive, how do other cultures in other countries view photography?
Source Tempo Medical Magazine November 2011 and April 2015
http://www.tempo30.be/publications/nl/376/files/assets/basic-html/page12.html
Throughout life it is important to regularly stop and look at the world that surrounds us. Moreover we must try to spot the unusual and extraordinary things around us and take the time to contemplate the effect they have on us emotionally and what message we can take from them. It is also important to behold these emotions and messages in a temperate and interested manner.
Photography helps me to stop and look around and see unusual things.
My photos must have the intention to display the messages contained therein.
Moreover, photos often help us to look at the past and things that are around us in a gentler and more interested way.
Quote by Erwin Van den Brande
We also find these images truly amazing: they instill calmness and serenity.
Who would not want them on the wall of his house?
We are proud to work with such an excellent artist!
In Italy we always say in Latin:
Ad mayor ! that is, to greater things!
Quote by Jelmoni Gallery - Milan - Italy