Allegro
Sensibile
The
Nude and the Photography of Pascal
Baetens
Introduction by Jeff
Dunas
When
one is asked to contribute a preface or an introduction to a book,
it is expected that one will discuss in great detail the work
of the author. In this situation I would not know what to write,
as I myself have photographed the nude for over twenty-five years
and I have never been succinct at talking about the work – thank
goodness I am capable of expressing myself with the camera instead
of the pen!
Pascal
Baetens is a good guy – affable, engaging and sincere. He’s very
interested in photography and has a good grasp on the history
of the art/craft as well. I find in most young photographers a
lack of interest in learning about what came before them but in
Baetens’ case he has done his homework. He writes on the subject,
he reports for various magazines and is both knowledgeable and
personable, two essential qualities for a good photographer. He
organizes photo festivals and exhibits for other photographers
as well as for himself. He participates in photography.
As
I do, I believe Pascal Baetens lives and breathes photography.
It is essential for his life - his oxygen. This is the first qualification
for greatness if greatness is to be achieved. One must be possessed
– obsessed – driven – willing to spend all of one’s waking hours
in its pursuit - and be perhaps slightly mad. While I’m not sure
of the latter in his case, I am sure of it in myself! This may
be a prescription for artists in all disciplines.
I’ve met and become acquainted with many photographers – hundreds
in fact, and I know it when I see it. Baetens is on the way. His
work reveals energy, a discipline and a love of his subject. Of
course his images are well composed and the lighting is beautiful
but there is also that something else – that essential something
that you either have or you don’t – something you can’t learn.
That something is the ability to reach your subject – create one’s
vision and have the complete complicity with the subject. I see
this in Pascal Baetens’ work. He communicates with his subjects
– controls the situation and has the ability to bring his communication
with the subject into the image. This is an intangible!
I’ll
be watching his work in the coming years. He stands a good chance
of making his mark on photography.
Jeff
Dunas
Los Angeles December 2001
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