Unstable Lights - ISSUE 07
An Analog Photography Exhibition
Unstable – the opposite of unchanging, permanent, firmly fixed or established
Light – light is electromagnetic radiation within the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye produced by different sources of light (like sun or artificial light sources for example)
Welcome to your weekly dose of Love Lucy. This newsletter is a slight departure from my usual recommendations, but for good reason. In this issue I bring you the first write up on a very exciting upcoming exhibition in Hamburg, Germany. Dates have been confirmed and the impressive line up is almost finalized.
Before we hear from the couple behind Unstable Lights, I would like to share some words about how the hell I got to this point in my photographic career in the hope that it highlights the more unconventional path I have followed to be presented with an opportunity I assume many artists actively seek out.
Being exhibited has never been a dream of mine per se, but it’s also not a non dream, if that makes sense. I guess I kind of thought my work didn’t belong in a gallery, I didn’t really know where it belonged to be honest and that has been a struggle for me the last 10+ years of being a photographer. YouTube has done wonders for that struggle and I now finally feel me, and my work have an outlet and a place to be seen.
If you asked me what starting a YouTube channel would lead to back when I first uploaded a video, I would have answered with the following…
A way to further explore my creativity
A chance to have fun and try something new
Find a community of like minded people
Give my photography an end goal and motivate me to keep photographing
1% of me thought maybe I would blow up and get 1 million views on a video and retire Lux and live that Willem life…
You know what is so great? I got all the things on this list, (bar the last one, but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at) and they would have been enough. Instead there have been so many other amazing connections, conversations, opportunities and things to learn from to add to the list. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be invited to show at a 3 day long analog photography exhibition in Hamburg alongside some really big names like Joel Meyerowitz, Charles Peterson, John Sypal and so many more.
The couple behind Unstable Lights have their fingers in more than one creative pie, running a bespoke camera strap company, a beautifully curated concept store, the loup, all whilst working day jobs and parenting three small children! I am in awe of their partnership and devotion to bringing this, almost mini analog festival to life and I am pleased to share a few words from Fabian himself discussing his connection to film and the idea behind this unique exhibition.
Fabian on Film
I was always curious about photography for as long as I can remember. When I shot my first roll of film I really connected with the idea of capturing specific moments in life. I have a box of negatives, nearly one hundred years of family history (four generations) in one box. Some months ago I developed a picture from the 80’s and it looked like the picture was taken yesterday.
For me a negative is a window back in time. This is what is so different to a digital file, the chemical layers in a film reacted physically to the light, whereas the digital sensor of a camera just translates light into a digital file. The negative is an emotional, visual and tangible evidence of what you once saw and that is why I love film.
Maybe for people like me an analog camera is like a poetic tool - I can compare it to an artist using a brush to translate their vision onto a canvas. Film is a canvas for light.
When first speaking with Fabian over an Instagram call I was worried he would be prepping me with all the parameters, themes, rules, restrictions and requirements that usually come with an opportunity to show at a gallery. Instead Fabian was as casual and cool as can be about the whole process, explaining his desire to let the artists choose work they believed in and let go of the idea that there must be a theme in order for a group show to be cohesive.
The idea of the exhibition “Unstable Lights” arose some years ago when the first lock down of the ongoing pandemic in Germany started. I had some free time to rethink many things in my life and remembered that I failed to continue my work in, and for analog photography. My wife supported me with the concept of bringing great analog photographers together in one exhibition. As a team we started our main brand “the loup” and want to create exciting new concepts in the future, including plans for a 2023 exhibition as well.
It seems clear to me that the all important part of the curating process was done when Fabian and his wife Laura came to realize that analog would be the only thematic component of the gallery show and I couldn’t agree more with their choices.
We want to show unique artists from different genres of analog photography but also want to show how important it is to protect and keep film alive for future generations. The works from world famous photographers like Joel Meyerowitz, and people who are responsible for bringing the interest in analog photography back like John Sypal from Tokyo Camera Style, are participating in this show. We also have a shop inside the exhibition with selected analog gear, photo books and analog cameras from around the world.
I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to be a part of this event. For more details head to the website where you can see the full line up and shop vendors. Follow Unstable Lights on Instagram for updates and participating artist profiles.
If you are in the area or able to travel to Hamburg, save the date and drop by to see all these amazing photographic works in person. Don’t forget to say hi to Fabian and check out my little spot on the wall too!
To the people I couldn’t do this without
I often get asked how Lux and I find time to do YouTube and a podcast whilst being parents of a 20 month old boy. The answer literally is, my parents! My mum and dad are incredibly supportive and none of this would be possible without them taking care of Luca, not only to give us a break but to allow us to have time to pursue all of our creative endeavors. They have had Luca every weekend since he was born basically and there is absolutely no way I would be in this exhibition if it wasn’t for them giving up every spare minute they have and helping us out. All whilst still working full time themselves and caring for my 96 year old great grandmother who has now successfully outlived the queen! I am so lucky to have them as a support network along with Lux who pushed me to start the channel and has picked up all my slack in the areas I don’t enjoy or excel in. Thank you, I love you all.
Never under-estimate the quality of your own work Lucy. Great to hear that your work will be in the exhibition.