GRIMM Gallery in London is hosting Belgian photographer Dirk Braeckman’s exhibition titled “Although”. On view from 23 April to 30 May 2026, the exhibition reveals Braeckman’s distinctive aesthetic and his approach that pushes the boundaries of photography.
Dirk Braeckman’s Artistic Approach: Layers of the Image
Dirk Braeckman typically focuses on interiors, empty rooms, beds, or abstract details in his works. However, his photographs express far more than a mere record of a moment or a space. Braeckman manipulates the photographs he takes in the darkroom, adding new layers and meanings to the images. These manipulations manifest as blurs, grain, and tonal variations on the surface of the photographs. Through these techniques, the artist invites the viewer to question the reality beyond what is seen.
Works in the exhibition such as “S.T.-T.H.-23, 2023”, “ECHTZEIT#138-24, 2024”, and “ECHTZEIT#117-24, 2024” present typical examples of Braeckman’s artistic approach. These photographs, printed using the ultrachrome inkjet technique and mounted on aluminium supports, are completed with stainless steel frames, emphasising both the aesthetic and physical durability of the works. Braeckman’s photographs are usually large in scale, creating an atmosphere that draws the viewer in.
“Although”: The Meaning Behind the Visible
The exhibition title “Although” summarises the paradoxical condition at the core of Braeckman’s works. The artist implies that there is always a deeper layer of meaning, in contrast to what is visible in the photographs. Emptiness, silence, and ambiguity play a significant role in Braeckman’s works. These elements allow the viewer to add their own interpretation and form a personal connection with the pieces.
Braeckman’s photographs reflect the transience of time and space, the blur of memories, and the complexity of human experience. The artist transforms ordinary objects and spaces into profound intellectual and emotional experiences. This exhibition once again proves that photography is not merely a recording tool, but also a form of expression and a space for philosophical inquiry.
Dirk Braeckman’s “Although” exhibition offers an experience that pushes the boundaries of photographic art and takes the viewer on an unusual visual journey. By hosting Braeckman’s distinctive works, GRIMM Gallery brings an important representative of contemporary photography to London. This exhibition is an unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to explore the power and depth of photography.
