Annelie Vandendael

ENGELS - The woman as she is Annelie Vandendael continues to work on her thesis, with which she obtained her master's degree in photography in 2011. Continuing onwards, her focus remains on the representation of women, a theme that has gained attention in society since the turn of the twenty-first century. The image of the female ideal demanded a shift in which women recognize their natural beauty. Annelie consistently chooses to photograph women as they are, without editing. In this way she wants to represent women in a realistic way, with which many can identify. Looking at Annelie’s photographs is like stepping into the world of the women in the pictures. The models are absorbed in the decor in which they find themselves, with their bodies and clothing in correspondence to the colors of the landscape of which they become part. In her photos she depicts the woman as she is, unique and playful. The face is often hidden behind an object. The eyes cannot be looked at which turns the models into archetypes with which many female viewers can relate. By embracing small imperfections such as a bikini stripe, a birthmark or strands of hair caught in the wind, the photographer guards the authentic representation of each woman. The choice to work with close friends ensures that there is a very good coordination and understanding between the models and the photographer. The ‘now moment’ / This moment in time Annelie reduces her images to their essence. In the middle of an overgrowing visual culture, she delivers exceptionally pure work. Her preference and dedication to work with Hasselblad makes the pictures tangible. The grain that characterizes the analogue photographs evokes the texture of the skin, adding a tactile quality. As each shot is taken, the photographer looks down through the viewfinder into the camera and as she captures the moment, she feels part of the action. The focus is sharp, everything revolves around the 'now moment' / this moment in time. Namibia Travel is an important part of the creative process. The destination itself is usually abstracted, and functions primarily as a backdrop where the women are placed in desolate landscapes in an almost graphic manner. Namibia was the chosen destination for this series. The photos reflect the duality of the uniqueness of each person and at the same time the equality as a human being. The choice of a white and a black woman posing together makes the nuances in skin type visible, sometimes in contrast and then again intertwined as a unit. They distinguish themselves and at the same time they complement each other in a balanced image. Their sensitivity and pure femininity is paramount. Color Color plays an important role in Annelie's work. She evokes within the viewer a feeling of playfulness, cheerfulness, life energy. Each photo exudes beauty: blue skies that take up large parts of the image and lift the women with it. They arise as characters from a pencil drawing on paper and end up in well-chosen positions with clear shapes and lines in the frame. 2 Animals Animals in the pictures provide elements of coincidence. They display synchronous poses next to the models and portray sensitivity and humor. Human and animal bodies flow into each other. The images touch the viewer, they evoke a world of emotion, while at the same time the aesthetic transcends social themes such as diversity or gender. Inspiration The atmosphere is reminiscent of Magritte's surrealism. The same well-chosen lines can be found in the composition of the images. Over the years, the photographer was inspired by movie directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Wes Anderson (The French Dispatch, Moonrise kingdom, Grand Budapest Hotel) and Wim Wenders (Pina Bausch). Annelie Vandendael makes each picture a gem full of sensitivity, precision and humor. In her artwork she shows interpersonal relationships in an abstract and stunning way. Annelie's photographic work creates a point of serenity, a world at a standstill: time evaporates between the photographer and her models, which the viewer can witness later on. The new series will be shown in galleries internationally. The deepening of the imagery of women is a project that evolves throughout time and space along with the perception of women in the world. 'Soit belle' summarizes what Annelie Vandendael's new series stands for: be yourself, be beautiful.