Sven van Driessche

Fragile

2015

Male Nude (29 Palms, CA) - 1999 58x56cm, Edition of 10, analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist on Fuji Crystal Archive paper, matte surface, based on a Polaroid. Signature la...

Born to be Wild - 2014 30x30cm, Edition 3/10. Archival color print on Pearl photo paper, based on the Polaroid. Signed on the back. Not mounted. Whether in color and black and white, van Driessche’s photos marry the atmospheric qualities of integral and instant pack films with the sensuality of his models. The effect is often painterly, intimate, delicate. The softness and vulnerability of the nude feminine form is often juxtaposed with untamed landscapes or graphic urban architecture. Other photos in the series read like fine art paintings, with luminous colors and classic compositions. Van Driessche has traveled all over the world, taking photos wherever he goes. These days, he often schedules photo shoots with models when he travels, working with both professionals and amateurs. Despite being a perfectionist in his photography, van Driessche likes the unpredictable nature of expired film. He embraces its inherent perfections. He says it is thrilling when an instant photo develops before your eyes, and it happens to be exactly what you were hoping for. And equally frustrating when, for whatever reason, the photo just doesn’t work. He says that you have to be very sure of everything, the composition, the lighting, the poses, before pushing the button. Instant photography requires more thought and more patience than other forms of photography, but the rewards are worth the effort. His work has been widely featured, having appeared in Dreck Magazine, Tata Magazine, 100 Volume 1, Latent Magazine, Hylas Magazine, and Fine Art Photo Magazine. He has been interviewed by the on-line magazines Whataroll and Kaltblut and he recently participated in a group exhibition at the Brick Lane Gallery in London in March 2017. Van Driessche cites these photographers as his influences: Anton Corbjin, for his square format and black and white images; Helmut Newton for his nudes; Stephanie Schneider...