09.03.2023  •  Art NEWS

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GoSee loves: ‘What Once Was - An imaginary portrait of friendship and masculinity’ - a touching photo essay by David van Dartel as an illustrated book and exhibition at Elliott Gallery, NL

The Elliott Gallery in Amsterdam, guaranteed the first address when it comes to thrilling and outstanding fine art photography, presents ‘What Once Was’, the latest project by David van Dartel. A lively portrait of young adults in multiple European countries, carefully stylized, but still very close to Van Dartels sense of friendship. The series prompts questions about the classical discourse of masculinity.

This exhibition is accompanied by the launch of van Dartel’s second book, following his successful debut in 2020 with ‘This Time Tomorrow’.

I want to show a world in which we acknowledge that everything and everyone is interconnected. I believe we should emphasize the connection to nature more. One should have the freedom to give one’s own meaning to these connections, however, stereotypes limit this freedom. With ‘What Once Was’, I want to show that masculinity is ultimately all about humanity, and that humanity is always associated with a vulnerability and dependency to nature,” says Van Dartel.

“On an unremarkable evening, it must have been December 2021, nothing really happened. The next evening, nothing happened either, and the same again on the evening after. Photography had always been obvious to me, intertwined with the Dutch Island of Vlieland. Though, the surroundings I always appreciated and cherished, remained indifferent to me. I had started to think that I lived through my images of that particular place – a reality that is no reality, an idea that has always been better or beyond.

From waking up to a foggy morning by a Scottish loch, to clambering down a difficult trail to reach a beach near Lisbon. I particularly vividly remember one time in Siena, walking through scenery that reflected an Italian cliche, which made it a perfect place to project all my fantasies onto. I was never this productive, and the work felt fresh. It resulted in the creation of fictional portraits, my imaginary view of friendship. A portrait of human connection and the ever-changing process of composing a self image.”

The hardcover book ‘What Once Was’ by David van Dartel with 160 pages is available for €50 from the gallery or as a DELUXE EDITION with 50 copies for €195 (includes a Limited Edition Fine art print, 20 x 25 cm, signed, titled and numbered by the artist).

Addie Elliott is one of Europe’s leading experts in fine art photography. Few people have broader experience in the global photography market. She connects photographers and clients who share a passion for both historical and contemporary photography. Established in 2003 as Gallery Vassie, Elliott Gallery is a leading authority in the European fine art photography scene. We hold a diverse collection of work from both key historical and established photographic artists, spanning the early 20th century to contemporary work.

Elliott Gallery
Tussen De Bogen 91, 1013 JB Amsterdam NL
Open from Wednesday to Saturday between 1.00 - 6.00pm

GoSee  elliott.gallery & davidvandartel.com

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

'What Once Was' - An imaginary portrayal of friendship and masculinity by David van Dartel (Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam)

 
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