Untitled

The imperfections and damage apparent on this black and white portrait add a nostalgic feeling to the image. It seems as if the photograph was made in a long-lost era and damaged through the passage of time. The man’s distracted, somewhat sad look is a good example of the deep yet subtle melancholy that typifies photographer Ester Vonplon’s work. With her photographs, she beautifully captures the transience of life. The damages in the print were not intentional but the result of using dirty tap water in Kosovo during the photo-development process. Vonplon realised that this adds even more power to the story she wishes to narrate. About the series, she says: “Life in Kosovo is far from perfect, so a perfect digital shot would not fit what I was feeling” (Foam Magazine #28 Talent).

With her series The Stillness of Existence, Ester Vonplon was part of the Foam Talent 2011 selection. In addition to a group exhibition, the work by all talents was presented in Foam Magazine #28 Talent Issue.