Photographer Frederik Buyckx captures his wanderings in nature in awe-inspiring, intriguing photographs

Photographer Frederik Buyckx (b. 1984) is invariably drawn to places where people still live in close proximity to nature. Far from our overly comfortable society where everything is at our fingertips and we have it all under control.

What does a bond with nature mean? And what if freedom, rather than luxury, was central to people’s lives? Buyckx abandoned all creature comforts to make WOLF.

Over the past decade, he has spent long periods of time in the mountains, in search of answers and inner peace. His wanderings were reflected in a handmade book that he received from his grandfather almost thirty years ago. It contains a fable with accompanying drawings in which Buyckx recognised his own quest for freedom and his affinity with nature. In a series of outstanding images, he captures both its splendour and ruthlessness. Nature doesn’t come to order and cannot be tamed; it cuts and it kills.

Photographer Frederik Buyckx captures his wanderings in nature in awe-inspiring, intriguing photographs

Photographer Frederik Buyckx (b. 1984) is invariably drawn to places where people still live in close proximity to nature. Far from our overly comfortable society where everything is at our fingertips and we have it all under control.

What does a bond with nature mean? And what if freedom, rather than luxury, was central to people’s lives? Buyckx abandoned all creature comforts to make WOLF.

Over the past decade, he has spent long periods of time in the mountains, in search of answers and inner peace. His wanderings were reflected in a handmade book that he received from his grandfather almost thirty years ago. It contains a fable with accompanying drawings in which Buyckx recognised his own quest for freedom and his affinity with nature. In a series of outstanding images, he captures both its splendour and ruthlessness. Nature doesn’t come to order and cannot be tamed; it cuts and it kills.

Fotograaf Frederik Buyckx legt zijn omzwervingen in de natuur vast in ontzaglijke, intrigerende foto’s

Telkens opnieuw wordt fotograaf Frederik Buyckx (°1984) aangetrokken tot plaatsen waar mensen nog dicht bij de natuur leven. Weg van onze te comfortabele maatschappij waar alles altijd binnen handbereik ligt en waar we alles onder controle hebben.

Wat betekent in verbinding staan met de natuur? En wat als niet luxe maar vrijheid centraal zou staan in een mensenleven?

In WOLF gooit Buyckx alle comfort overboord. Gedurende lange periodes verspreid over tien jaar verbleef hij in de bergen op zoek naar antwoorden en innerlijke rust. Zijn omzwervingen worden weerspiegeld in een handgemaakt boekje dat hij bijna dertig jaar geleden van zijn grootvader kreeg. In die fabel en de bijbehorende tekeningen herkent Buyckx zijn persoonlijke zoektocht naar vrijheid en connectie met de natuur. Enerzijds is er de niet te beschrijven pracht, die op weergaloze wijze wordt gevat in Buyckx’ beelden, maar tegelijk is de natuur meedogenloos. Ze komt niet op bestelling, ze laat zich niet temmen, ze snijdt en ze doodt.