Didier Engels

After a career of more than 30 years in the research of textures (20 years as textile stylist and 10 years as interior design architect), Didier Engels has shifted towards photography.

As self-taught Belgian photographer, he started his photographic work “Dry Dock” and “Kaaien” in January 2015.

After a first successful exhibition, Didier will dedicate his time to capture the colors and freeze the moment in this unique universe of docks. Since his childhood, Didier Engels likes to stroll on the docks of the ports. At the age of 20, he experiences docker life at the port of Zeebrugge and this port affinity will never leave him. He discovers the phenomenal maritime traffic that fascinates his eyes: ships used by sea salt, freighters washed by the tides or containers patinated by sea spray. As many unique colors and raw materials that allow the photographer to release all the beauty and power of their symbolism. Inspired by this maritime universe, he creates a series of abstract photographs from which he draws beauty from boat hulls. Bright and past-colored photographs that reflect the experience of these ships that have been returned to port or stored in dry dock.

Didier Engels then goes back to his first memories as a docker and makes a series of photographs from the docks of the port of Antwerp. He finds in the containers the perfect witness of his obsession for colors, preferably patinated, and for the subjects laden with history.
Sedimentary textures, faded colours, oxidized marks; it is in this territory that Didier Engels evolves.

The photographs of Didier Engels are printed on photo paper and then poured into several resin baths to accentuate the colors and depth.

Didier Engels’ eye focused on textures and colors for more than 30 years. « Dry Docks » and « Kaaien » are direct results of it.