Facts & figures show the inevitable: Christianity has declined very sharp over the last decade. Less people call themselves Christian and the trend is worldwide. There’s an overall collapse in belief and faith. Those who profess no religious affiliation have doubled over the last decade.
We have abandoned God. We have abandoned faith & religion.
This photographic series is taken in former religious buildings that were closed down for the public. It’s the shocking evidence of Christianity in decline. Evidence showing the religious downfall. These places were once safe havens for believers. As per today, all their prayers will remain unanswered.
Reginald Van de Velde (Belgium, 1975) scouts the unknown & unseen. As a wanderer of wastelands he journeys all over the world, trying to capture the momentum of splendour still undisturbed by the turmoil and temptations of modern society. He is a vagabond for lost beauty, a chronicler of forgotten magnificence.
Awards - Aesthetica Art Prize 2018, York, UK: finalist
- Moscow International Foto Awards 2017, Russia: winner Architecture
- Athens Photo Festival 2017, Greece: selected for Photo-book Exhibition
- IPA International Photography Awards 2016: two honourable mentions
- Siena International Photography Awards 2016, Siena, Italy: finalist
- Athens Photo Festival 2016, Greece: shortlisted
- Seoul International Photo Festival 2015, South Korea: Grand Prix Winner
- Arte Laguna Art Prize 2015, Italy: shortlisted
- New York Photo Festival 2014, US: finalist
- Singapore International Photo Festival 2014, Singapore: selected for expo
- Backlight Photo Festival 2014, Finland: selected for expo
- Kontinent Photography Awards 2014, Turkey: 2nd place Fine Art Projects
- Grand Prix de la Découverte 2013, France: winner Juror Award of Merit
- Mostovna Photography Contest 2013, Slovenia: winner
- Prix de la Photographie 2013, France: honorable mention
- Singapore International Photo Festival 2012, Singapore: selected for expo
- Wunderman Global Photography Competition 2012, US: shortlisted
- National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest 2012, US: editors’ favourites
- Eyes on Society Photography Contest 2012, Belgium: winner
- Canvascollectie 2012, Belgium: selection first round at S.M.A.K.
- National Geographic Photography Contest 2011, US: editors’ favourites
- Cannes Lions International Festival 2011, France: winner
- Fotofestival Knokke-Heist 2011, Belgium: finalist
- World Photography Awards 2011, UK: finalist, highly commended
- Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010, UK: finalist, highly commended
- Canvascollectie 2010, Belgium: selection first round at S.M.A.K.
- Fotofestival Knokke-Heist 2010, Belgium: finalist
- World Photography Awards 2009, UK: amateur photo of the month
- De Film Van Mijn Leven 2009, Belgium: finalist
