About
Jan Stel (Purmerend, The Netherlands, 1970) started realistic drawing and to illustrate at a young age. He also experimented with traditional calligraphy. Stel pioneered with full color and realistic graffiti murals, ahead of his time, by regularly using no outlines and allowing the colors to blend into each other in an airbrush-like way. He also made oil-paintings inspired by the old masters of yore. This is where it is originated: the expression of realism transformed into his own unique photography style. Stel is always committed to creative processes and has worked with many different art materials, where photography is his core essence. He is known for having a sharp eye in identifying subtleties in composition, details and tone, the use of sight lines, vanishing points, perspective and overall composition.
Stel pays close attention for the right moment to capture the magic play of light and shadow. He believes that the integrity of his shots is found in the pure and intriguing richness of natural light.
“Just before sunrise and sunset, the light is at its most beautiful. There is something magical about this short period of time. The cinematic feeling of industrial locations is what I capture. Their natural surroundings is where my eyes focus on. Photography for me is about to capture the magic moments of light, shadow and emotions."- Jan Stel"
Information
INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPES (ABOVE) The Industrial Landscapes is a continuous photo series about the aesthetics between nature and industry. There is a contrasting beauty of our natural Earth and the abstract appearance of industry. These stilled landscapes are originated from fascinating combinations that we humans often pass unnoticed.
ABANDONED PLACES (BELOW) Around 1998 he became fascinated by lost glory and started to capture abandoned places on negatives and slides. The intriguing photographs reflect the history of manmade created structures. Where today, the absence of people and lost craftsmanship play a prominent role, with his photography he brings them to light once again. In color and black/white. Many of the photographed locations are demolished or have found a new purpose as a museum or reconstruction into new work and living places.
PUBLICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Jan his photography received a lot of interest from (inter) national media and has been published in De Volkskrant, De Telegraaf, FD Persoonlijk, NRC Handelsblad, The Daily Mail, in dozens of magazines (Focus, Pf Magazine, …) and on many websites and blogs. It also obtained several awards, like the Sony World Photography Awards, International Color Awards and the Epson Pano Awards. It’s exhibited regularly and is part of many private and corporate collections. Jan Stel Photography.
PROJECT 2.0 GALLERY Noordeinde 57 2514GC Den Haag The Netherlands
Mail: info@project20.nl Website: www.project20.nl Telephone: +31 (0)70 345 0357
