Self-portrait, 1989

Dirk Braeckman produces large unframed photographs in black and white, using photographic techniques that focus on textures, contours and indistinct details, so the subject often remains anonymous. He captures the essence rather than giving meaning to the subject of his photographs. He began his career with portrait photography and self portraiture. He went on to focus on interior spaces, in images suggestive of isolation and being in an enclosed environment. For most of his career Dirk Braeckman has used analog photography and various darkroom experiments to create different effects and textures in the finished print. Recently he has turned to digital photography and has been able to explore new techniques. The photography of Dirk Braekman has some autobiographical elements, but each image can stand alone. Through enlarging his images and using under-exposure or over-exposure in the development process, the resulting prints are more textural than anecdotal or observational. The images he produces are generally set in deserted room or an abandoned space. By focusing on a wall, a type of textile, a piece of furniture or part of the body, his photography brings out the sensuality of surfaces. (Artist website)