The series No Place Like Home, is an X-ray view of the modern
human life, exposing its (dis)connection with nature.
This project sprouted from my fascination and discontent with
modern human life and our accustomization to the comforts of it.
Wealth has never been as high as in present times, while the
condition of the earth has become more critical. In our safe homes
we have everything we desire, but we do not see – or choose not
to see – the impact our lifestyle has on the environment. Don’t we
forget what our real home is? Are we still connected to nature and
thus ourselves?
My goal was to capture contrast and harmony in a single photo, as
a metaphor for the present position of humans. The photographed
individuals are living their everyday life, occupied with themselves
and unaware of the beauty that surrounds them. If we have
distantiated ourselves from nature, that won’t stop us from being
a part of the circle of life as living organisms.
The things we assume to be normal can become abnormal when
viewed from another perspective. By changing the context around
the photographed individuals I hope to question ‘the normal’. By
substituting the home environment with the beautiful landscapes
that exist on spaceship Earth, I want to trigger people to look with
new eyes. I want them to think about their actual home and
lifestyle. Much of our behaviour is considered to be normal, but
could also be perceived as absurd.
To get to the locations where the models were photographed,
hour-long hikes were required sometimes, making the creation of
this series a way to connect with nature and myself, too.
Awards GUP New Dutch Photography Talent 2013
