Take a seat, look at the sea in front and make sure to not look left at the polluting industry at Rotterdam harbour. At first glance the photo comes across as a quiet and serene moment and then, after exploring the horizon, that initial feeling completely reverses itself in to one of melancholy amongst the deceptive beauty. What was once an inviting gesture is turned into an apocalyptic landscape. Sand becomes ash and the water polluted. Kijkduin Beach, Netherlands, November 2022
Jan Waanders is Dutch photographer based in Moldova. He finds inspiration for his photography in shapes and forms that he finds during walks in nature. His works stands out through thoughtful colour schemes, breathing harmony and warmth. Another recurring theme in his work is recording human emotions (joy and dreams) at places where people and are free from daily sorrows such as parks/beaches. Based on the subjects, he chooses between rendering colour images, black and white photos laying bare pure emotions or using intentional camera movement to arrive at a dreamy and peaceful atmosphere.