An abandoned mansion house, somewhere in Europe.
A grand marble staircase, which has seen better days, is framed by a once-ornate archway the light from an unseen window casting light onto the fading dcor and flecks of paint gathering dust on the floor.
In another image, two cavernous passageways lead off inside a derelict school. A door stands ajar next to rusting radiators as the light floods in creating distinctive shadows on the floor.
Daan Oude Elferink’s stunning photographs of urban decay celebrate the fallen grandeur symbolised by the many ruined mansions of past European artistocracy and imperial public buildings.
And now a selection of Daan’s distinctive images are to be showcased for the first time in Scotland at the Eduardo Alessandro Studios in Gray Street, Broughty Ferry.
Born in 1978 near Nijmegen, The Netherlands, the Amsterdam-based photo artist has gained international recognition in just a few short years.
In early 2009 he bought his first camera and within three years he had become one of Europe’s most original and collected photographic artists.
Prepared to go to any lengths to capture the imagery, he has even spent nights in jail for going beyond the “no entry” signs and locked doors of derelict buildings.
“I am captivated by urban decay and particularly the fallen grandeur symbolised by the many ruined mansions of past European aristocracy, imperial public buildings and even the industrial and utilitarian, “ he says.
“Decay ignites the imagination you’d be surprised at what people leave behind, often for unknown reasons. Once beautiful homes, still fully furnished. Everything covered in a layer of dust and rubble. Hospitals with patient files scattered in the hallways. Theatres and ballrooms, now empty of laughter. Memories of what used to be.
“With time, nature starts to take over. As the years pass, buildings and the secrets they keep crumble and decay. On first glance you see a pile of mouldy debris, but look closer and you will find breath-taking beauty.”
Daan’s motto is Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
It’s the second big event of the year for Alessandro Studios following a recent exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of Oor Wullie.
Studio operator Sandro Paladini said: “Daan is one of the most collected and talked about photo artists of the moment. His extraordinary photographs capturing the urban decay of grand buildings throughout Europe have gained him international recognition and a huge following in just a few short years.
“Daan is widely regarded as ‘the enfant terrible’ of the photography world. He famously goes to any lengths to capture his remarkable images and has spent numerous nights in a jail cell as a result!”
* Eduardo Alessandro Studios, Gray Street, Broughty Ferry – March 26 until April 16.
www.eastudios.com