Shoot the Breeze: Jan Adriaans

Jan Adriaans is a Dutch photographer and video-artist whose work explores the relationship between psyche, body, and space. I happened upon his photos last spring and immediately wanted him for our cover. We ran his eerie interior shot of Lange Voorhout Palace on the front of issue 10. I was so moved by the photo I even painted an homage in oil on canvas. His photos are haunting, desolate, and perfect. – Claire 

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1. Why do you take photos?
I take photos when I think the medium photography fits a specific project the best. I also do video, installation or performance. The choice for the medium comes forth out the idea and out of research during the process.

2. Do you carry your camera with you everywhere you go?
Yes, there’s always a small compact camera in my bag, or I have my phone with me. Just to able to make some pictures of things I like. These pictures could be used as starting material for a new project.

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3. What celebrity would you like to shoot most?
I’m not a portrait photographer, but I would like to meet the writer J.M. Coetzee.

4. What animal would you like to be, if not a human?
A black whale, its brain part for social qualities is better developed then that of a human, and you can swim in the ocean all day.

5. What is your favorite smell?
The smell of sandalwood

6. Would you like to live forever?
Only if everyone lives forever with me.
It is bizarre to realize that the babies born today (in the western world) will easily live up to over 100 years.

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7. What do you think is the best photo you have ever taken to date?
I’m always most happy with my recent project. I made a video work with you can say, slightly moving photographs. The work is about a university in Seoul, South Korea, and it unfolds the perception of a student on her study and on the buildings of the campus.

8. What’s your favorite pastime?
Playing in my band Medium, doing sports or going to a movie.

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9. Do you like having your photo taken?
I don’t really mind.

10. Who are your favorite photographers, currently?
I just have discovered Mark Cohen. He’s great.