Project: Departure

The starting point for the series was the creation of filmic images with a melancholic atmosphere. The photos also have a link to his previous series ‘Melancholy’, which was inspired by the work of the American painter Edward Hopper.  

Joost carefully chooses the setting in which to shoot. For this series he uses industrial and urban environments to recall a deserted feeling. He accentuates this by shooting at night time and capturing a sky full of clouds. The photos thus appeal to an uncanny or alienating atmosphere. This makes the viewer curious and wonder what is going on. Just like in a film, the viewer is drawn into the image and his imagination is stimulated.

The photos have a link to the work of American photographer Gregory Crewdson. Joost says: "He is one of my favourite photographers. He produces beautifully staged images that perfectly evokes this atmosphere. For me, he is one of the most iconic photographers of our time.”