Photographer Alain Lennertz from Baelen has brought the frozen wilderness of the Arctic to life through his captivating photography exhibition now on display at Haus Küchenberg. The collection, titled "Arctic Impressions," features stunning images captured during his expedition to Spitsbergen, an island group located far north of Norway at the edge of the Arctic Ocean.
Spitsbergen presents some of the most extreme conditions on Earth, remaining covered in ice and snow for nearly the entire year. During Lennertz's visit, temperatures plummeted to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit). "I wanted to have a somewhat more extreme experience for this trip and also feel the intense cold," Lennertz explained. "That's why I chose Spitsbergen. Besides, I had long dreamed of being able to see and photograph polar bears in their natural environment."
This dream became reality as the Baelen-based photographer traveled around Spitsbergen by ship, observing the majestic animals from the water. "Being so close was truly unique," he recalled. "The polar bear remained completely calm and even looked at us. We also had wonderful landscapes in the background." The intimate encounter allowed Lennertz to capture extraordinary images of these iconic Arctic predators in their pristine habitat.
Beyond polar bears, Lennertz successfully photographed numerous other典型的Arctic wildlife species, including reindeer, ptarmigan, and Arctic foxes. The photographer was particularly struck by the animals' curious nature. "What's fun about the animals here is that they are very curious. They're not fearful and actually come toward you," he observed. "As you can see in the pictures with the Arctic fox, for example, they look us in the eyes and seem to ask: Who are you? What are you doing here in my territory?"
The exhibition showcases not only wildlife but also the breathtaking Arctic landscape bathed in extraordinary light. The endless sea of white creates stunning visual contrasts, with the sun making ice glow turquoise blue while casting orange reflections across snow-covered mountain ranges and the ocean. These photographs emanate tranquility, inspiring wanderlust and anticipation for snowy, cold winter days ahead.
For Lennertz, displaying his photographs holds special significance beyond simply sharing images online. He is passionate about engaging directly with visitors and discussing his work in person. To facilitate these meaningful conversations, the photographer personally attends the exhibition every day it is open, making himself available to answer questions and share stories from his Arctic adventure.
"Arctic Impressions" by Alain Lennertz runs from November 7 through November 16, open daily from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Haus Küchenberg, located at Haasstraße 42 in Eupen. The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the raw beauty and extreme conditions of the Arctic through the lens of a dedicated photographer who braved harsh conditions to capture these remarkable images.
