Kris De Smedt, Welcome to the jungle.

We are proud to welcome Kris De Smedt to our archive representation. Kris De Smedt is a Belgian photographer whose work has been wildly publicised and exhibited throughout Europe. He also exhibited as a finalist in PhotoEspana, Spain and Fotobild and Fotofestival festivals, Germany. Kris is a part of the talented duo that is Septantesept with production/communication lady Stephanie Van Maele.

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

This is about spaces in transit and transit in spaces. These are areas of transition, where people pass through, coming or going (i.e. hotel lobbies, public entrances, reception areas,…)

The pictures show my fascination with the ways used to liven up these places. Such areas are tedious by definition, only brightened up by the people passing through. The dullness of these environments is paramount yet someone has obviously made an effort, using certain plants or representations of them, to create an ambiance, an odd illusion of home.

By digital manipulation I present the pictures as souvenirs, memories of a time or situation long gone. Although my photos may have a vintage look, they don’t refer to a past. People can perceive them as kitsch. Formally they could be camp, but their content never will be.

I want to grasp the essence of the commonplace aspect of these environments by focusing on camp details, iconic in their triviality. Their interest to me lies in their non-value, yet they are indispensable in the image. They look nonsensical, but they make sense in their constructed situation.

-Kris De Smedt