Gallery P. Oostende has a special affinity for photography. Until the end of June, it presents an exhibition at the Traagheid in Tielt featuring works by Karel Mus: “Sometimes Lost, Sometimes Hopeful. Thoughts and Impressions in a dialogue with an illusive theme, that can last forever.”
Karel is a visual artist by nature. As a young boy, he gained popularity by embellishing the poetry albums of his friends with his drawings. While his father, an architect, created solid structures, Karel found his expression in watercolors reminiscent of William Turner. At the same time, he was always a discreet observer, the photographer on duty.
Although photography is his second nature, it wasn’t until 2015 that he exhibited his snapshots. He believed he needed to be good enough to show something after obtaining a photography diploma. This turned out to be an error of judgment, but he is still glad he pursued his education and explored all disciplines and techniques of photography: it led him to discover new ways to creatively apply the learned techniques. From 2015 onwards, he started participating in competitions and exhibitions, and the successes he achieved marked the real starting point for him.
From then on, his work was regularly shown in important exhibitions, such as “Unknown Masterpieces” in Knokke and the International Photo Biennal Ostend 2023.
Karel Mus’s work is characterized by metaphorical, suggestive images that leave ample room for interpretation. Each piece is a conversation without rules, obligations, or limitations. It’s almost a blank canvas where the viewer can freely project their ideas, thoughts, and impressions, often evoking a wave of emotions.
One of his projects, “Forest in Fear,” tells the story of a threatened forest. The dark forest scenes depict animals in motion and fear. The blur evokes feelings of despair and anxiety, while the subtle movements of the forest and the animals emotionally impact viewers, prompting them to contemplate what is happening. The works may seem “normal” at first glance, but up close, everything comes alive, and you can feel the fear in the eyes of the animals. The forest literally fears being cut down, and the animals share that fear.
In another piece, “Be the Change You want to See in the World,” there is a quest for a complete disconnection from time and location. By making the location and time unrecognizable, the viewer can project their own time and location and perhaps relive their own memories.
Karel Mus aims to have meaning for others as an artist, whether it’s by bringing joy, emotion, reflection, action, or critical thinking. In turn, he is influenced by various artists such as Ragnar Axelson, Nick Brandt, Saul Leiter, Mark Rothko, and Chilly Gonzales.
In his latest series, Karel regularly works with a pinhole camera, eliminating the ability to focus and choose aperture. This compels him to be extra creative and to better understand light.
Karel Mus is a Master Qualified European Photographer.
The exhibition “Sometimes Lost, Sometimes Hopeful” by Karel Mus is on display at the Traagheid in Tielt, Krommewalstraat 60, until June 30, 2024. For more information, visit www.detraagheid.be, www.galeriep.be, and www.karelmus.com.
