Didier Engels

Below the Level

2020

After a career of more than 30 years in the research of textures (20 years as a textile stylist and 10 years as interior design architect), Didier Engels has shifted towards photography. As a self-taught Belgian photographer, he started his photographic work "Dry Dock" and "Kaaien" in January 2015. One of the main features of his work on piers and containers is to divert visuals that are essentially graphic and colored. In order to give them a more artistic dimension, he removes all peripheral elements other than the subject itself. The arrangement of colors of the containers are those of the original shot. The "diversion", or particular framing of the containers in post-production, enhances the existing graphic design and positions the subject as the main element. The idea is to create confusion and challenge the viewer, who presumably will not have seen the original photo. The eye will be drawn first by the colors, the alignments and the graphic nature of the image. It is only afterwards that the eye will perceive the underlying element, namely, the container or boat hull. His work extends, during his exhibitions, into discussions with the visitors and the chance to explain the before and after of the works.