Belgian photographer Tom Van Eynde has unveiled his latest photographic portfolio titled 'La Nuit' (The Night), which presents a compelling exploration of ordinary objects stripped of their familiar contexts. The project represents a continuation of Van Eynde's ongoing artistic investigation into how everyday items can be transformed when divorced from their typical surroundings.
The photographer's unique approach involves wandering through the darkness of night, discovering objects that are briefly illuminated by his camera's flash for just a fraction of a second. This momentary illumination creates what Van Eynde describes as a spiritual equivalence, allowing viewers to perceive these common objects in an entirely new light. The fleeting nature of this process means that the object appears as an afterimage in the photographer's mind before eventually being preserved only in photographic form.
'I love the idea of wandering in the darkness of the night, stumbling upon something that lights up for a fraction of a second thanks to the camera flash, then seeing it as a lingering image in my mind, only to see it again later in the form of a photograph,' Van Eynde explains. This technique of dissociation serves as the foundation for his artistic vision, enabling both the photographer and viewers to discover unexpected beauty in mundane objects.
Van Eynde draws inspiration from several notable sources in photographic and artistic history. His influences range from Alfred Stieglitz's renowned 'Equivalent Series' to Edward Weston's famous pepper photographs, as well as the broader minimalist art movement. These influences are evident in his approach to composition and his ability to find profound meaning in simple subjects.
The photographer encourages viewers to embrace the mystery inherent in his work rather than attempting to decipher the practical function of the photographed objects. 'Don't try to guess the use of the object, rather enjoy this little mystery!' Van Eynde advises. This philosophy invites audiences to engage with the images on a purely aesthetic and emotional level, free from preconceived notions about utility or purpose. More of Van Eynde's work can be viewed at tomvaneynde.com.
