“A personal re-reading of my native city: in this project, I transform reality into a mag- nified, dreamlike space. Through light, colour, and staging, I document memories, at- mospheres, and landscapes in transition. Initially inspired by a documentary approach, my work evolves into a photographic wandering, influenced by the Situationists. My gaze focuses on frozen urbanism, the boredom of youth, and nature as a refuge. By playing with light—whether it reveals or transforms—I give life to empty spaces and suspended moments. Through self-portraits and surreal compositions, I also explore the boundary between solitude and creation.

Born in Gemmenich in 2002, I discovered photography in 2020. At first, it was a way to keep a track of my experience and bring some colour to the monotony of construction works; it soon became my way of escaping reality. In 2022, I joined the ESA Saint-Luc in Liège, where I produced my first edition (Orchidée Fantôme). Through art, I try to transport the audience into my universe and create stories that will carry them away. I work a lot with artificial light and outdoors—two contradictory elements that allow me to create unique atmospheres, both real and dreamy. My creative process is based on intuition and longing. Photography is my way of making a moment eternal, holding on to things that move me.”

Baptiste Van Leendert