Photography can be a deceptive art form, as one can spend countless hours taking pictures only to realize that it's not really about the photography itself.
In the midst of my own thoughts, I often find myself lost.
"I started writing you this letter in autumn..." is a visual poem that was born from one of Cristian's many inner dialogues, and it was photographed accordingly. The poem explores the themes of connection, recognition, and letting go, with love serving as the underlying thread. It also delves into the meaning of love on a larger scale.
All of the photographs in this project were developed and printed using traditional gelatin silver processes, as well as a variety of toning and staining techniques. Some are accompanied by written words as well.
This project will be a living, breathing piece of art, with more pieces being added and removed over time until it is complete. Everything in it will serve a purpose and have meaning, from the size and placement of the photos to the coffee and tea stains. It will be connected, meant to be experienced as a letter--the kind of letter you might write to someone you love or to yourself.
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About
Cristian Geelen (1982) is mainly an analogue photographer and a dedicated darkroom printer from the Netherlands. Who works through the gelatin silver process, all of it which is done in his own personal darkroom. Lately, he is taking a more conceptual, contemporary, and philosophical approach to his personal work. Which mainly touches subjects like love, longing, and loss. And occasionally, he incorporates in his practice the written word and poetry as well. In his vision, the print is the most important element to a photograph and his work. In 2022 Cristian became part of CLAIRbyKahn Gallery.

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