Jörn Pilon

Iceland is a great destination for photographers looking for wild and desolate landscapes. Far from civilisation, beautiful old lava fields, rugged mountain ranges and mossy plains alternate and unfold in fascinating patterns. Iceland is one of the last wildernesses in Europe where you can still wander freely in search of overwhelming natural beauty. However, in recent years mass tourism has slowly taken over Iceland, making it no longer a country exclusively for photographers and backpackers. Still, the beauty remains, especially in winter...

Visible light photography is the normal way of recording the world around us. X-ray photography adds a whole new dimension. Whereas with visible light only external shapes and structures can be photographed, X-rays penetrate through the outer shell and reveal the inner workings that are normally hidden from the camera's eye. The realisation of this unique photo project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of the staff and employees of the radiology department of the Beatrix Hospital (Gorinchem, The Netherlands). Not only did they make available various X-ray machines at times when they were not in use to diagnose patients, but they also provided the necessary technical support. Evidently the safe handling of radiation was always top priority.

The urban environment is defined by a high density of human structures such as houses, commercial buildings, roads, bridges and railways. Historically the urban environment is strongly associated with industrial activity, as a high demand for labor has led to urbanisation. More than ever we live in the age of migration to cities, that have become dizzying jungles of concrete and steel. It is precisely these characteristics that make the urban environment an endless source of inspiration for the photographic eye.

Around the world in 80 days? According to Jules Verne's famous adventure novel, the English gentlemen Phileas Fogg managed to circumnavigate the world in less than three months. That his newly employed French servant and travel companion Jean Passepartout played a critical role in Fogg's succesfull adventure is evident. Had Passepartout been a photographer however, he would certainly have hugely delayed Fogg's epic journey. Photographers need time to get familiar with new environments in order to eventually take that one ultimate picture. At the same time travelling is a good excuse to bring back home both memories and unique images.

Traditionally, the Netherlands has been an agricultural country and still the image of windmills, clogs and colorful tulips is kept alive to attract tourists from all over the world. But those who arrive here and cherish this identity of the past will probably be disappointed. The endless meadows with grazing cows have disappeared and made way for industrial agriculture on a massive scale. At the same time, the western part of the Netherlands has grown into one big and modern metropolis, where high-rise buildings, roads, harbours and industry dominate the picture. The more romantically inclined photographers can still find locations that confirm the image of the past. But ignoring the current reality is becoming increasingly difficult. And let's be honest, from a photographic perspective beauty is always in the eye of the beholder!

Photography is all about framing. The frame not only determines the subject matter, but also has the power to focus your attention on something you had not noticed before. The new iPhones offer fantastic opportunities for photographic experimentation. In this series, I am fascinated by worn-out road markings and other subjects that catch my eye wherever I happen to be. In most cases I take a few snapshots, but sometimes I use a tripod to make compositions more precise. Using an iPhone is a relief compared to the heavy photographic equipment that I normally carry around. It also stimulates creativity, as it can be used as a kind of photographic sketchbook, allowing for a quick exploration of interesting but all too familiar subjects...

Do you remember? Shiny metal, that is how it all started! As time went by, the influence of humidity and oxygen became ever more visible. The cheap original splendour vanished and corrosion made the iron brittle. As youth gave way to old age, real beauty emerged. However, the charm of neglect is becoming increasingly rare. We have become so tidy that iron has no time to rust. Long before it is converted into a crumbling powder, the patina of the past is covered by a new layer of fresh paint. Yet another opportunity to take an inspiring photograph is lost for at least a decade...

Personal projects are important to keep challenging yourself. In this work in progress I focus on triptychs, in which fictional characters and their stories are the central theme. I sometimes use classical works of art in these photographs. The geisha, for example, is taken from a woodblock print by the famous Japanese artist Goyō Hashiguchi (1880-1921). In my image, her appearance aims at a completely new and contemporary meaning. This series is specifically intended for the art market. Individual photographs are available as limited edition gallery prints on Innova Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Rag (310 gsm), mounted on 2 mm aluminium dibond for maximum durability. The edition is handcrafted in two sizes, limited to 9 copies each. All prints are signed in pencil on the reverse and come with a certificate of authenticity. Sizes and prices are available on request.