WORDS/PHOTOS: ADRIAN DE GROOT
COVER PHOTO: MIA MEDAKOVIĆ
For this exhibit, for these 7 wall sections of marvelous red brick between equally marvellous arched French doors, I had the inspiration of combining and uniting the vertical strengths of trees with those of columns. To ponder and even meditate about the symbolism between natural and man-made architecture. They certainly have one thing strongly in common: They Stand Tall.
“Standing tall” is an English language idiom, meaning: “To exhibit courage, strength or calm, especially in the face of adversity.”
Well, you could anthropomorphically say that trees are courageous enough to withstand any kind of weather, temperature and inhabitation of animals. They exhibit strength in adversity, and –all things considered– remain calm. They return to their calmness after a storm shakes their branches wildly about. Nothing truly drastic can really faze them and they certainly never ever complain!
The same can be said for columns; they do not exhibit courage directly, but certainly symbolically as bravely made human creations. They are equally strong and remain calm in any kind of weather. They support beams and thereby roofs. Witness the ancient Greek and Roman columns: They still stand, even though whatever else remains are since ruins.
We live in a world of great adversity, so it makes sense to draw symbolism from trees and columns for us as humans to remain calm, strong, peaceful and not lose courage.
After all, as a fine arts photographer, I am not just pushing shutter buttons on a camera. For me, photography is always very much a zen-like experience, so much more than just walking around taking pictures. It helps me to breathe, to calm down, to renew my courage, my energy and my own strength in the face of the many adversities in today’s world.
Like the English write on cups and T-shirts: “Stay calm and take photos”. And I have the advantage of a special perspective it offers me, as I myself “stand tall” at 193cm. May you enjoy the photos.
