ARTIST JORIS GRAAF
Joris
Graaf
b. 1980, The Hague · based in Wateringen · self-taught · Fresh Eyes, GUP Magazine
He builds tension from a synthesis of opposites. Noise and melody, order and chaos, growth and decay, composed from photographs in the digital realm.
In his abstract digital photo-art, self-taught visual artist Joris Graaf (The Hague, 1980) seeks to create tension by forming a synthesis of opposites: noise and melody, growth and decay. His work revolves around themes such as loneliness, fear and depression, and is heavily inspired by contemporary abstract painting. Music, and the visuals that come with it, like album covers, remain a strong influence.
He uses his camera as an instrument to capture textures and structures, either from the world around him or from assemblages of paint and other materials he makes for the purpose. Those are the raw ingredients he composes in the digital realm. He was selected for New Dutch Photography Talent 2019 and Fresh Eyes, the European photography talent programme, by GUP magazine.
From geology to the studio.
“I spent a significant part of my youth travelling around the world with my family. After moving back to the Netherlands, I studied geology and worked in industry for over a decade before focusing completely on making art a couple of years ago. I was lucky enough to be selected by GUP magazine for a couple of publications about up-and-coming photographic talents in the Netherlands and Europe, and that really provided a stimulus for me to continue on this path. I currently live and work in Wateringen, near The Hague.”
Where the work comes from.
“As a music lover, my early inspirations were band photography and album cover artwork, but I quickly discovered that I had a strong tendency to make abstract photos. When I started to post my work on Instagram, I discovered the world of contemporary abstract painting, and it completely blew me away. It has heavily influenced my work ever since. Music is still a big influence, as are my own emotions and memories.”
“A synthesis of opposites: noise and melody, order and chaos, growth and decay.”
Multi-exposure, Lightroom, and cutting it all up again.
“To create my digital photographic artworks, I start off with either searching for or creating a scene to photograph. Sometimes I go to all kinds of places with my camera, looking for interesting forms and textures. On other occasions I choose locations that have special significance to me or to my family’s history. I am incredibly nostalgic. When I build my own scene, I do it in my studio with all kinds of material lying about: wire, tape, paint, plastic, prints.”
“I typically use multi-exposure techniques, because I love the confusion and complexity they allow me to create. After collecting the images, I spend a lot of time processing them in Lightroom. During 2020 I started to get the nagging feeling that I should try a more hands-on approach, so I began experimenting with collage, cutting up my own photographic prints and arranging them by hand on a hardboard support. I am very proud of some of those results.”
2020, cancelled shows, and the move online.
“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, and unfortunately I had a couple of exhibitions cancelled, but it did not have a large influence on me creatively. I had less time to work, because the kids were frequently at home, but my family has been incredibly lucky that no one got ill. I know many were not so lucky.”
“Because of the restrictions, there has been a significant shift in the art world to move online, and I think that will continue. I have mixed feelings, because there is nothing more rewarding for an artist than a physical exhibition in a gallery, with actual people to talk to and have a glass of wine with.”
How he knows a piece resonates.
“To be honest, I have no idea whatsoever what makes an abstract piece good. I don’t know anything about art. I just follow my instincts. Some people create beauty with a single colour and a few well-placed lines. Others make elaborate, multi-layered pieces with a million colours and textures. If the art resonates with me, I can enjoy both. I only need a second to see if I like something.”
“With my own work it is the same. I completely rely on my intuition. If I don’t like what I see, I dump it. But when I do make something that works, I just know it.”
“I don’t know anything about art. I just follow my instincts.”
On what to call it.
“I don’t really consider what I do to be photography, and I don’t follow developments in the field. I am much more in tune with what contemporary painters are doing.”
Antakly Projects, originally Ninu Nina, has been in conversation with the most inspiring voices in art, photography, design and culture since 2003. Interview by Leila Antakly. Joris Graaf turns noise into melody, and chaos into something you cannot look away from.
All works © Joris Graaf. Thank you to Joris for the conversation.
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Noise into melody. ✦
