SHADES OF THE NIGHT

Vincent van Gaalen and his photographs of remote natural landscapes in Europe taken at night. Each monochromatic landscape has been constructed with a special layering technique which captures the three-dimensionality of nocturnal forms. Within the unusual aesthetic of the photographs, the viewer is able to imagine the colours that van Gaalen deliberately omits.

In “Shades of the Night”, landscapes plunged in total darkness emphasise the primal power of nightfall. Under the light of the moon, only the contours of mountains, waterfalls or lakes are recognisable. In these dark sceneries, familiar worlds to us appear strangely removed, paving a way for new perspectives. Here, the fear of danger and threat which darkness usually instils in us is dispelled. Rather, these nighttime landscapes are images of security and refuge, where the vast expanse of blackness is a welcome respite from the hustle, bustle and glare of the urban cityscape.

Van Gaalen introduces us to otherworldly visions of nocturnal nature which can rarely be experienced within dense population centres. Since the year 2020, the Dutch photographer Vincent van Gaalen has been travelling to the darkest areas of Europe equipped only with simple camera equipment, a tent and provisions. The landscapes he documents include places in Portugal, Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Czech Republic. Further trips are planned as part of this ongoing series, titled “Absence”. As light pollution in Europe is increasing by an average of 6.5% every year, the photographer captures the few remaining regions yet to be marred by the presence of artificial light and the industrial hand of humankind.

Van Gaalen concentrates solely on landscapes: neither animals nor people appear in his works. As a portrayal of human absence, van Gaalen’s work calls for inner stillness and a gentle reflection regarding the impacts of our presence within our natural surroundings. In the context of the climate crisis, van Gaalen's photographs work as a counterpoint to the more violent forms of environmental protests.

About the artist

Vincent van Gaalen (b. Netherlands) graduated with a degree in Photography from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, in 2011. His documentation of nature have been part of numerous exhibitions and has won several awards. In 2022, van Gaalen was awarded a highly-coveted scholarship by the Eye on Nature Foundation. In the same year, van Gaalen prevailed among thousands of applicants to become the 1st Prize winner of the BBA Photography Prize.