In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

  • Artist’s Statement
  • Olivier Desmet (bio)

What can one photograph when unable to see human faces and expressions? Since the pandemic’s beginning, I have struggled to find meaning when photographing humans wearing masks. So, in the summer of 2021, I decided to shift my focus away from my street photography work, hoping to explore a completely different style of image-making. Using medium-format cameras, I began making meditative, intimate images of nature and still life in or near my new home in Marin County, California. A selection of images from the resulting project is presented here. Spending many hours alone photographing these beautiful scenes has provided me with much-needed solace during these challenging times. I hope those who view this work might also benefit from these images in a small way. [End Page 244]


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olivier desmet

Seven Posts, Sausalito, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 245]


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olivier desmet

Golden Gate Bridge, étude No 2

Sausalito, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 246]


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olivier desmet

Old Concrete Pier and Bridge

San Fransisco, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 247]


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olivier desmet

Rodeo Beach, Sausalito, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 248]


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olivier desmet

Point Bonita, Sausalito, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 249]


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olivier desmet

Muir Beach, étude No 5

Mill Valley, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 250]


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olivier desmet

Trees in Fog, Mount Tamalpais

Marin County, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 251]


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olivier desmet

Bon Tempe Lake Tree, étude No 2

Fairfax, California, 2021

Selenium-toned silver gelatin print, 8 x 8 in.

[End Page 252]

Olivier Desmet

olivier desmet is a Belgian photographer who explores the notion of Mono no Aware (a Japanese concept used to describe the beautiful transience of all things) through his black-and-white images. He released his first book in 2021 and is currently working on a new book on Tsukiji—Tokyo’s famed market and neighborhood—due out this spring.

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