precarious firm

precarious firm | @2024 Luuk de Haan | photograph on hahnemühle paper | size on request | unique


precarious firm is a photographic series in which I explore the delicate interplay between structural integrity and impending collapse. Each composition is a visual meditation on the tenuous balance that defines existence, whether in architecture, business, or life itself.

The juxtaposition of seemingly fragile cubes against a stark, empty background speaks to the precarious nature of stability. Each structure appears as though it could tumble at any moment, yet it stands firm, challenging the viewer’s perception of strength and fragility. This tension reflects the essence of a ‘precarious firm’– an entity that persists despite its inherent vulnerabilities.

The use of transparent and opaque elements within the cubes suggests layers of history and wear, evoking a sense of dilapidation. These visual cues imply that beneath the surface of any seemingly stable structure lies a foundation that may be worn, weakened, or compromised. Yet, there is beauty in this decay, a testament to resilience and the capacity to endure.

As you engage with these works, one could consider the duality they present: the visible cracks and the unseen strengths, the impending collapse and the enduring foundation. ‘precarious firm’ reflects on the impermanent nature of all things and the possibility to find strength in fragility and stability in uncertainty. Through this lens, we are reminded that even in the face of potential failure, there is a form of steadfastness that defies complete dissolution – a delicate yet powerful balance between dilapidation and foundation.

> framed example