On stones of age and their existence. A tentative exploration of colour and texture in gentle images captured on personal journeys.
Earlier this year, I was invited by Buro Project to set up an exposition in the showroom of Kree Interieur. This scene was the stage for an event and decorated the workplace for a while later on as well. With some friends, we combined forces under the banner ‘In Full Spectrum’ - together with the artwork of Atelier Demi Cocquyt, the furniture of Feston and the vintage design lamp collection of AfterMidnight Antwerp.
Quo Vadis
Jaipur, the Pink City, is the capital of the western state Rajasthan in India. It lies next to Pakistan and is known for its desert landscape. On the outskirts of the city, this historical water well has stood there for centuries. Eight stories of yellow and pink sandstone with chunam (chalk plaster) descend into the oasis, where inhabitants of the city came to collect rain water. Some deemed this geometrical masterpiece and its refreshing water holy because of its proximity to the nearby temple and Amber Fort.
Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur, IN / 2022
Sandstone / 16th century
Le Chat Noir
Mdina and Rabat, situated central on the island of Malta, host many rich buildings because of its history as capital. The Priory of St. Dominic and the Church of the Blessed Virgin are the first constructs of its order on Malta. Nearby St’ Pauls Catacombs, the complex has stood here for centuries already and is built with local limestone. The gallery embraces the peaceful cloister garden, while some may also know it as the garden of the Red Keep in Westeros.
St. Dominics Priory, Rabat, MT / 2024
Limestone / 17th century
Doubled Dungeon
In the south part of Delhi, capital of India, Lies the Qutab Minar complex. It houses, among other structures, the largest brick minaret in the world with a staggering 72 meters in height. A prime example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the large site marks the start of their reign. The mosque’s colonnades show a symbiotic view consisting of columns made of beige and red sandstone, which were sourced from a number of Hindu and Jain temples in the surrounding area. In addition, local gray quartzite and red sandstone were used for the floor of the colonnades.
Qutab Minar, Delhi, IN / 2022
Quartzite, Sandstone / 12th century
Curtain Call
Centrally located in Turkey lies Ankara, the capital. The renowned national hero and founder of the Republic, Mustafa Atatürk, is buried here in a massive mausoleum and memorial. Built upon a hill, you can feel and see its presence throughout the city. As is his body of thought, which transformed Turkey into a modern, Western-inspired state, and is firmly rooted in the collective memory. For the monumental galleries, the architects chose yellow and black travertine which was sourced locally in their country.
Anitkabir, Ankara, TR / 2023
Travertine / 1953
Door of your Mind
An enormous fortress is to be found in the heart of Delhi, next to the infamous Chandni Chowk, where one can get lost forever in narrow market streets. In contrast to this cramped, bustling neighborhood stands the vastness of this fortified castle. Built by Shah Jahan, famous for the majestic Taj Mahal, the majority of buildings in the complex are made out of sandstone with an impressive red color. The Mughal-architecture is recognizable by a variety of influences which make it eclectic and diverse.
Red Fort, Delhi, IN / 2022
Sandstone / 17th century
Love resides
Known as a symbol of pure love, The Taj Mahal is unique for many reasons. It was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s wife, which was by that time quite unusual. The asymmetric axial reflected plan also shows an unorthodox plan, where the main building itself isn't located in the center of the complex, but on the brim next to the Yamuna river, flowing through Agra. White marble from Rajasthan and Pietra Dura make the building seem to glow under the rising sun, again every day for eternity.
There are few places that spark your astonishment when your expectations have already been raised. The timeless, tender and elusive beauty feels both intangible and very present.
"... A solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time". - Rabindranath Tagore
Taj Mahal, Agra, IN / 2022
Marble / 17th century
Look out
Historically, the island of Malta has always known its importance due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean. Part of nothing, but close to everything around, it has enjoyed an ongoing exchange and become a cultural melting pot. Due to its sought-after position, Malta has seen its share of rulers and wars over the years. Throughout the island you can find war relics, outposts and memorials that celebrate glory and grief. The Bell War Memorial is to be found at the Lower Barakka Gardens of St. Christopher's Bastion in Valletta. Looking out over the harbour bay and the Three Cities across, this little folly tower was made out of local limestone and granite.
Siege Bell War Memorial, Valletta, MT / 2024
Limestone, Granite / 1992
The Verge
On the south eastern shore on the isle of Malta, the Munxar peninsula reaches out into the sea. Characteristic limestone cliffs and cultivated salt pans mark the edge between mass and void. A layered white and yellow structure exposes the foundations of the substrate. A biting sea breeze and rough waves wage a constant battle against the eroding coastline.
Ponta Tal-Grigal, Marsaskala, MT / 2024
Limestone
Composite Essence
In the historical epicenter of civilization, the Mercati di Traiano get lost in eyesight between imposing lanes and even more majestic structures. Built by excavating the Quirinal hill - existing of tuffo and pozzolana volcanic rock, today one can still see the might of what once was a giant hemispherical for trade and goods. Constructed under the reign of emperor Trajan and designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, today the ruins host the Museo dei Fori Imperiali and grant a view towards Campitelli with all its ancient Fora. The famous column was made out of the world renowned Carrara marble and portrays the two Dacian wars, in what is now Romania. In the back stands the leaning tower, or Torre del Milizie, a medieval construct from the 13th century. It served military purposes mainly and lost its upper parts due to an earthquake, which damaged its foundation as well.
Mercati di Traiano, Rome, IT . 2024
Opus caementium, opus testaceum / 2nd century
Contemplare
What appears to be a tranquil lake, is in reality a high-altitude crater on the second highest volcanic mountain of Indonesia. Here, in the middle, is a new peak forming due to secondary volcanic activity. The national park and its mountain are highly respected by the local inhabitants of Lombok and far beyond. The trek, wandering up and down the steep ridges of the crater, is quite hard. Especially the summit push in loose gravel and scoria (andecite) makes the final stage an exhausting challenge, just before sunrise. The views on top of Lombok and over the surrounding isles make up for the effort instantly though. Little things are more fulfilling than venturing in the unforgiving climate of wind, water, fire and rocks.
Rinjani, Lombok, ID / 2024
Basalt, Andecite, Dacite / 3.726m
