addingtoone

photograph | ©2017 Luuk de Haan | printed on hahnemühle museum etching | unique

In the series ‘addingtoone’ (adding to one), I delve into the intricate interplay of light and form through a unique photographic technique that emphasizes the cumulative nature of visual elements. Each photograph in this series features circles of various shades, captured one by one within a single shot, while moving my camera. As these circles overlap, the light intensifies at their intersections, creating a dynamic tapestry of luminescence and color. The essence of addingtoone lies in its simplicity and its ability to convey complexity through minimalism. By focusing on the fundamental shape of the circle, I explore how individual elements can combine to form a cohesive whole, each interaction adding a new dimension to the composition. The varying shades of the circles represent different intensities and qualities of light, which, when layered, produce a spectrum of hues and brightness levels.

The gradual build-up of light and pastel shades not only highlights the beauty of each individual circle but also showcases the transformative power of their collective presence. Once captured, these images are printed on diapositive, a medium that perfectly complements the series’ emphasis on light. The transparency of the diapositive allows the soft hues and intricate overlaps to shine through with clarity and brilliance. This choice of medium enhances the ethereal quality of the images, making the added light and colors appear almost tangible. addingtoone is more than a series of photographs; it is a meditation on how simple elements can combine to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Through this technique, I invite viewers to contemplate the beauty found in unity and the subtle yet profound impact of light on our perception of form and color.

The ‘addingtoone’ series rely on the creative experimentation that I bring to my unconventional use of the camera, and my unique combination of digital and analog processes in the way I use the computer to generate a primary image. This is set in motion through the slide show function and then photographed directly from the screen. Thus, the eventual still photograph results from the movement of and transition between digital images on the screen as well as the manual movement of the camera. The ‘addingtoone’ images are realised by photographing a slideshow of circles. The relation between the interval of the slideshow and the camera’s shutter speed determines the number of circles captured in one shot. The final shape of the circles is determined by moving the camera and/or using the zoom-function during the exposure.