Arie van 't Riet

Barn Owl X-Ray Photography on Dibond UV Resistant Perspex Bird Black and White

2023

The photography of Arie van ’t Riet is a merger of his scientific background, being an engineer and physicist, and his passion and love for flora and fauna. His focus is on the essence of nature. This process takes a sense of beauty, but also technical knowledge and insight. The animals (found dead) he uses, are placed in an optimal position together with plants and other crops. This setup, called a Biorama, is placed for a X-ray and by radiation fixated on film. For this work van ’t Riet received a special permit. Because he is specialised in working with this equipment he is able to make a picture in just one take. This is complicated because, for example, a thin leaf needs another approach than a fat bird. Still he manages to put them together in one picture. The films are being developed in the dark room, then scanned and edited digitally. Hence a combination of a traditional and scientific way of working, an unique working process, working with silver bromide analogue X-ray film. The result is touching and reflects peaceful beautyfulness. How fragile nature is when she shows her structure. How perfect and fairy-like together is the result of this special form of photography.