A visual study of the Ardennes by a Belgian-based photographer Luke van Lammsdonk. Currently studying at the St. Joost School of Art in Breda, van Lamsdonck is interested in the mysteries of the world and often explores themes such as memory, collective trauma, grief and introspection. ‘What Once Was’ is an ongoing project in a region that has fallen into a state of impermanence since major industries moved to the big cities. The remaining inhabitants depend on the land and the meager wealth it provides. Van Lammsdonck describes the series as follows:
“‘What Was Once’ continues to document my encounters in this area. It is an attempt to visually capture the mythical feeling that lurks in the back streets. It is the passage of time and its relationship with the environment. is a meditation on the human being: life and death are irreversible and paints a melancholic and realistic picture, while at the same time showing us the forests and hills that surround us despite our adverse circumstances. It depicts many faces who have chosen to remain true to the
See more images from the project below.
