
More from the series
IMPERISHABLE (series) →IMPERISHABLE
"A bold reclamation of the 'universal burden' that transcends heritage, capturing the indestructible resilience of the human spirit in a single, timeless silhouette."
The Narrative
Resilience Beyond the Eurocentric Lens
As the titular work of the series, IMPERISHABLE is a profound visual translation of the Dutch proverb,Everyone carries their own cross.In this piece, Spannenburg features abrown-skinned malesubject bearing a symbol of immense historical and spiritual weight.
This work challenges the historical biases of Western iconography by reclaiming the "cross" as a universal human symbol. It embodies Spannenburg’s core philosophy:"
**THE MALE FORM**
Arjan Spannenburg's raw and emotive explorations of the male form resonate deeply within the context of Aotearoa art. His work invites us to consider vulnerability and quiet strength, presented with an honesty that feels both intimate and profoundly authentic.
Through his distinctive monochrome aesthetic, Spannenburg captures the interplay of light and shadow, creating atmospheric compositions that speak of depth and character. Each archival pigment print, presented as a limited edition, offers a timeless piece for the discerning art collector. These works possess a cinematic quality, evoking a sense of narrative and grounding the contemporary space with their striking presence. They are more than just images, they are carefully crafted visual languages that explore the nuances of contemporary masculinity with a decidedly unpretentious eye.
This collection is a testament to Spannenburg's ability to render the human subject with both sensitivity and a powerful, understated confidence, making each piece a potential statement piece for any curated interior.
"You don't have to believe in God, or Jesus Christ, to still carry your own cross."
H2: RAW BEAUTY
The essence of Arjan Spannenburg's photography lies in its unvarnished truth. His monochrome prints capture a quiet strength, an authentic vulnerability that resonates deeply. There's a grounding quality to his work, a connection to natural light and shadow that feels profoundly honest. This is fine art photography that speaks without shouting, offering a subtle yet striking presence within any space. The limited edition prints, always archival quality, are more than just images; they are carefully crafted pieces that bring a distinctive aesthetic to interior design. They embody a sophisticated, unpretentious approach to collecting contemporary art, reflecting a modern home with character and depth. Arjan's Dutch heritage lends a historical context, but it is the universal language of light and emotion that truly defines his distinctive visual narrative. His work invites a moment of contemplation, a visual pause in our busy lives.
H3: MONOCHROME PORTRAITS
Arjan Spannenburg's exploration of the male form is an exercise in quiet confidence. His monochrome portraits capture a raw beauty, revealing layers of introspection and resilience. There's an honest, unforced quality to these images, presenting the contemporary masculinity with dignity and a subtle power. The mood is often atmospheric, drawing on light and shadow to create a cinematic depth. Each photograph, a limited edition archival pigment print, is a testament to the artist's ability to find the profound within the everyday. These pieces are not mere decorations; they are statement pieces designed to be curated, offering a sense of timeless character and quiet strength to any interior design scheme. They speak to the art collector who values authenticity and a grounded aesthetic, seeking works that possess both visual appeal and a soulful resonance.
H3: LANDSCAPES
Arjan Spannenburg's landscapes are an intimate dialogue with the natural world. Captured in monochrome, these fine art prints evoke a sense of atmospheric beauty, where light and shadow play a vital role in shaping the mood. There's an honest, unpretentious quality to his depictions, a raw beauty that feels both timeless and contemporary. Each archival quality print, offered as a limited edition, brings a distinctive sense of place and character to interior spaces. These are not simply images of scenery, but rather explorations of texture, depth, and perspective, inviting the viewer into a moment of quiet contemplation. They offer a grounding aesthetic, a connection to the earth that resonates with a sophisticated understanding of visual language.
H3: STILL LIFE
The still life works of Arjan Spannenburg offer a study in quiet observation. In his monochrome compositions, ordinary objects are imbued with a profound sense of presence and character. There's an honest, grounded approach to these pieces, revealing a raw beauty in the interplay of light, shadow, and texture. Each limited edition, archival quality print invites a moment of reflection, transforming the familiar into something deeply resonant. These carefully curated works bring a distinctive aesthetic to interior design, speaking to the art collector who appreciates the subtle power of the understated. They are a testament to the artist's ability to find depth and narrative in the seemingly simple, offering a sophisticated visual language for any modern home.
"By choosing a person of colour to carry this burden, the artist emphasises that the weight of existence is a human constant that transcends heritage and creed.
The title refers to the indestructible nature of the human spirit. While the world around us becomes increasingly secular, the fundamental experience of endurance remains "imperishable". For the collector, this work offers a bridge between the atmospheric depth of 17th-century tradition and 21st-century inclusivity.
Visual Analysis
This high-contrast fine art photograph features a side profile of a lean, muscular male figure from the waist up, set against a void of deep black. The subject is depicted in a moment of physical exertion, bearing a large, heavy wooden cross constructed from two thick, raw timber beams. His body is angled forward under the weight, with hands gripping the wood, highlighting the detailed texture of his skin and the grain of the timber under sharp, directional studio lighting. The figure is draped in a simple, textured white loincloth, creating a stark visual contrast between the bright fabric, the warm tones of the wood, and the surrounding shadows.
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Year
2022
Genres
