Portugal / Azores-Flores / forrest
2022

Absence

In his ongoing project ‘Absence’ started in 2020, Van Gaalen photographs our human absence amidst the darkness of the night surrounded only by his equipment, a tent, and some provisions. Leaves, stones, water and air catch the light of the moon and stars. The deepest blacks emerge, outlines are enhanced. In this world, as darkness takes control, reason makes way for imagination and vulnerability.  Among the vast, muted landscapes is a shrouded ecosystem teeming with hidden life. The landscape remains barely visible - but tangible all the more.

These fragile moonlit landscapes enveloped in a barely-perceptible silver light invite viewers into a serene observation of nature untampered by the industrial human hand. Far from the fearful perception of darkness as a result of years of evolution, these landscapes offer a peaceful solace and respite from urban society.