AMSTERDAM.- From 24 September until 5 November
Eduard Planting Gallery in Amsterdam presents an exhibition of Dutch fine art photographer Jan Stel. Following the launch of his first book 'Manmade / no human'. The exhibition shows the fascination of the photographer for abandoned buildings with distinctive architecture.
In almost twenty years, Jan Stel has captured lots of intriguing locations with his analogue and digital cameras, only using pure, natural light conditions. These locations, that once roared with life and activity, are now silent and without any human presence.
Conceived, designed and built by people, but now deserted by everyone. Over the years, Jan Stel photographed in Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and Spain locations like an old gas tank, steel plant, veterinary school, cooling tower, power station, wine cathedral, castles and historic mansions.
Jan Stel is creating an exposure of lost glory and industrial decline. His fascination for derelict structures and corroded colors made him search for unique abandoned and desolate places. Attracted by the beauty of these abandonments, he started capturing the long forgotten history of that past.
The photographer prefers to explore on his own. Its no always the safest way to do so. From years of being on the road and dealing with safety issues and dangerous situations on locations, he has learned that travelling in a small group provides more protection than wondering around as a lonesome soul.
Self-taught photographer Jan Stel (1970) was a pioneering artist in his youth. 'Manmade / no human' is his second solo exhibition at Eduard Planting Gallery in Amsterdam. His photos received international acclaim and have been showcased at art fairs such as the KunstRAI, PAN Amsterdam, REALISME and Rotterdam Contemporary Art Fair.