“Everything that is visible hides something that is invisible”
René Magritte
© Photo by Esteban R. Benavides
Contemplation, a cinematic short movie shot in Iceland
Part 1 of the movie
I came back from two trips to Iceland not only with my favourite photos to date, but also with my best video footage yet.
Naturally, I felt like creating something outstanding out of that footage rather than only posting snippets on social media.
Little did I know that this would turn into my first cinematic short movie.
Being a music producer, I also decided to create a soundtrack and include it in the making of the movie.
For the soundtrack, I went with ambient, slow evolving pads on top of natural field recordings. The soundtrack of the first part of “Contemplation” can be defined as mysterious and menacing, while the second part is calming and meditative.
Iceland is often referred to as the Land of Ice and Fire, thus the choice of splitting the movie in two parts, dark versus light, or menacing versus relaxing, came naturally.
The first part of ”Contemplation” shows the journey of lava gushing out of the volcanoes Meradalir and Litli-Hrutur in the eruptions of 2022 and 2023.
The second part documents the natural cycle of water through shapes and colours that are unique to the Icelandic landscapes.
Filmed on DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Fujifilm XT-4.
Part 2 of the movie
Contemplation exhibition
My first solo exhibition took place in September 2023 at Distorsion Gallery in Brussels.
I have been overwhelmed with positive feedback as many of my pictures were printed for the very first time and exposed to the world.
Seeing my pictures on the wall and having deep discussions around them with like minded people really brought the photos to life.
The exhibition was also the occasion for the premiere of my first short movie “Contemplation”, documenting the natural beauty of Icelandic volcanoes and glacial rivers.
An encouraging step in my artistic journey.
Distorsion gallery
Grand hospice, Brussels
Constrict Music
“Meradalir”, “Sonar” and “Mosi”, the first 3 releases of the label
Constrict Music is an electronic music record label that I have co-created together with a few friends early 2023.
We are a team of music producers, sound engineers, videographers and photographers amongst other things.
I have started music production a while ago under the alias “Canoris” but never took the opportunity to officially release any of the tracks I have made. Since most of Constrict Music’s members were in the same situation, we have decided to create our own record label to put out the music ourselves.
Naturally, I offered my services for the creation of the album artworks.
I have made each of the artworks with my photos as the basis. The art direction is unsurprisingly focused on abstract textures and patterns.
Discography
Instagram
Partnerships with other record labels
“Beyond the Veil”, an album by Fearful and Mtwn, out on YUKU
Having the opportunity to provide some artworks for album covers is for me a major step forward in the direction that I want my artistic carrier to take, and to be able to do so on my favourite record label fills me with joy and pride.
I was over the moon when YUKU contacted me to ask if they could use my volcano picture as the cover for an upcoming album.
YUKU is a renowned electronic music record label, widely acclaimed around the globe by experimental music connoisseurs.
I have personnally been amazed by all the talented artists that put out some outstanding music on this label over the last few years. I can say without exagerating that it is my favourite label at the moment.
”Beyond the Veil” is an album that is not bound to a specific tempo and that is characterised by absolute dark and menacing vibes. Fearful and Mtwn truely outdid themselves in the creation of this sonic beauty. I highly recommend to listen to it, as well as the rest of YUKU’s discography!
Discover YUKU
“Masterbep”, a various artist album out on SousTraitance
Nihonga t-shirt
The idea of printing my pictures on textile had been in my mind for a while. I always thought abstract images are very much suited for clothing.
The “Nihonga” model is hopefully the first of many more to come.
It was printed in collaboration with Les Portes Bleues in Brussels on eco and socio responsible, recycled cotton.
Currently sold out, but new series will soon be available on my online store.
Les Portes Bleues