27 june 2023, Flor Linckens
Animals as Individuals: The Photography of Vincent Lagrange
Until 2 July, MPV Gallery in Oisterwijk is showing a solo exhibition by Vincent Lagrange, who captures the humanity and emotional world of animals in a powerful way. In an implicit way, he also makes us think about our own relationship with nature and by extension: our planet.
When we think of animal photography, our minds often wander to panthers on vast savannahs and action shots of tropical birds who are triumphantly flying off with their prey. We are used to observing animals in their natural habitat, at a safe distance from the viewer. The Belgian artist Vincent Lagrange turns this notion on its head and photographs these wild animals in an intensely personal way, as you would normally capture people. In doing so, these animals acquire something inherently human, as their own personality becomes visible. The photographer invites you to look at a walrus or orangutan in the same way as you look at your labrador. It effectively reduces the distance between humans and animals.
Vincent Lagrange, THE WALRUS, 2023, MPV Gallery
His love for photography originated in the photo studio of his father, Marc Lagrange, in Antwerp. Vincent found his favorite subject when his parents gave him a cat named Dwiezel, who would be his main source of inspiration for years to come. When Dwiezel fell ill and lost his eye, Lagrange patiently began to capture him, with a particular emphasis on his inherent dignity, emotions and resilience. He used classic techniques from the world of portrait photography. A sense of mutual trust and a certain gentleness also play a significant role in this. Since then, the artist has expanded his field to a wide variety of (protected) animal species, from turtles to gorillas.
Although his portraits often seem to capture a seemingly spontaneous moment, they can require days of preparation, of waiting for the right moment. In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the artist remarked that the animals mirror your mood at such a moment and that meditation can be a perfect way to build trust and a connection. The exhibition in MPV Gallery is called 'BETWEEN US' for a reason. To be able to capture the silverback gorilla, the photographer even had to follow a behavioural course in which a certain humility is central. And the background material cannot simply be reused for different animals, because smell plays a role in the animal world that cannot be underestimated.
Vincent Lagrange, THE RADIATED TORTOISE, 2023, MPV Gallery
The animals are perfectly lit against a minimalist background, in a muted colour palette. Lagrange's characters are often imposing and elegant and demand both respect and empathy from the viewer. In an anthropocentric era, they emphasise that we as human beings are not alone, let alone central. Through his long-running series "The Human Animal Project", Lagrange offers animals a sense of dignity as well as a voice.
The artist has received worldwide recognition for his work, with several highlights including the cover of National Geographic Magazine in 2022 and the publication of a photography book by Teneues Publishers.
