Charleroi
For many years, I’ve visited Belgium as a place for inspiration. Particularly the old mining town of Charleroi (once unjustly named the ugliest city in Europe) captured my heart, due to the many scars that reveal the city’s contrasting history, and later especially because of its inhabitants, the Carolos, as they proudly call themselves.
The prejudices stubbornly resting on the city remained unconfirmed for me, quite the opposite. The residents, often portrayed as aggressive and dangerous, turned out to be warm, hospitable, and above all proud people who granted me access to their personal lives without expectations or suspicion. I was amazed at the ease with which people allowed themselves to be photographed in their own ‘Pays Noir’.
Each time I returned to Charleroi, I sought out the people I had previously photographed to hand over the framed photos. The reactions to this were emotional and heartwarming. The Carolos felt seen, understood, and proud.
Charleroi is a city often misunderstood by those who pass by or through it because they judge the city solely based on what they see and therefore don’t take the effort to discover the beauty that actually lies within it. What one sees in another often says more about the observer than about the one who is (not) seen.
For me, the Carolos are the colourful soul of the black land. Hence the title of this project:
Les Carolos, l’Âme du Pays Noir.
Tainted (in collaboration with Ilse DeLange)
Ilse DeLange’s latest album ‘Tainted’ features artwork by Rens Dekker. The works were showcased at The National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam during the press release party.
All works from this series are available in a limited edition of 75 hand signed museum quality giclée prints.
Kimono
Inspired by the mesmerizing tintype photography technique, this visual journey invites you to explore a fusion of analog and digital artistry. With the innovative use of AI, Rens Dekker beautifully captures the essence of Asian culture and tradition through a remarkable collection of portraits. Adorned in elegant kimonos, women take center stage, inviting you to immerse yourself in their world of atmospheric compositions and surreal beauty. Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the artistry that lies within the pages of ‘Kimono’.
Collage
Diving into the surreal through Rens Dekker's 'Collage' series. A symphony of analog, digital, and AI techniques fusing together to create a surreal world that defies reality. Each artwork is a cosmos of its own, where disparate elements harmonize to birth a new vision.