Sometimes, when Rogier Houwen (1992) walks through the marshy Dutch meadows, he imagines himself moving across the seabed. He wanted to capture that feeling in this work. 'Early in the morning when it is still misty, the horizon fades and the ground and sky seem to blend into each other. When I walk through this landscape, I find the thought of being below sea level fascinating.'
Houwen wants to open our eyes to what is hidden beyond what is visible. The faded horizon symbolizes the earthly and cosmic world merging. 'The horizon seems to separate the two. But where is the actual boundary?'
He combines nature photography with experimental techniques. For Sea Level, Houwen photographed the sea. Then he used blue watercolor paper to mimic the water, as its fibers look like waves up close. Finally, he printed both pieces over each other, to create the dreamy effect of a blurred horizon.
'Through my work, I want to create the experience of being one with our environment. Because if we feel that connection, I believe we will also take better care of our surroundings. I hope travelers will feel immersed in the work and find relaxation in its sensory qualities and meditative effect.'
Rogier Houwen studied photography at the HKU University of the Arts in Utrecht and lives in Amsterdam. His work has previously been shown in various galleries and art fairs within and outside Europe.