Description
Carsten Costard: * 1965
Pine, large sand
Execution: Gallery-Print behind acrylic glass matt
limited edition, 25 ex.
date: 2020
Dimensions: 90 x 70 cm, incl. antique frame
Signature: signed on the reverse
Provenance: Original work from private collection
Carsten Costard, born in 1965, has been working independently in the photographic trade since 1994 after a classical photography apprenticeship with a master craftsman’s examination.
His field is industrial and architectural photography. His clients throughout Europe include Schott AG, Oerlikon Balters, KfW Bankengruppe,
LBBW Immobilien and the Max Planck Institute.
The subject of light plays a prominent role in his work. In order to stage objects made of special glass, medical equipment or complex industrial plants or material structures and physical as well as chemical processes, a great deal of different light and the know-how of its targeted use is necessary.
In some cases, flash system technology with a total output of up to 12,000 watt seconds is used here.
However, the technical mastery of these means is only part of what makes his works outstanding photographic works. His artistic eye and the experience of composing existing lighting situations with the use of all camera and lighting means to create an overall impression are what make his works stand out.
This gave rise to the idea of a free series that places nature at the centre of its works. Carsten Costard explores new areas of light staging here.
The flash should not only illuminate things, but also make them glow.
The model here is painting since Leonardo da Vinci with the idea of distinguishing between the luminous light (luce) that illuminates objects and the body light (lumen) that radiates from the illuminated object as a sensual experience. The creative question: How can the photographer paint with light?
Carsten Costard is inspired by the old masters of art history, especially early Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich. He is fascinated by the transgression of the mere image to the ideal of landscape. The stylistic device used here is to focus the light on important elements in a spotlight-like manner and to dramatically exaggerate elements such as the sky. In doing so, Carsten Costard decided to rely entirely on his craft and traditional tools. He uses only camera and flash and does without digital post-processing. A unique approach in our time, which is dominated by digital alienation.
Carsten Costard now shows the result of these works in his series “PAINTED BY LIGHT”.
The result is spectacular natural scenes, quiet, meditative images that invite the viewer into a photographic and, as it were, painterly reality.
