Reality is often hidden from view, obscured by what is shown on the surface; to see it, one must venture into the very depths. Young photographer and designer Gert Verbelen travelled across eighteen Eurozone member states and presented the world with a series of photographs entitled The Inner Circle of Europe.
Europe is not only the well-known cities and landmarks that constantly light up social media feeds. Europe is also the forgotten villages where young people are scarce, because there is no work.
'Over the course of a year I visited eighteen Eurozone countries. I avoided large, noisy cities and did not search for tours on glossy websites. I was no tourist. My destination was the centre of a circle that could be drawn around each country. I spent a week at that centre, immersing myself in daily life, allowing the people and the environment to take me in. More often than not, I found myself in a near-abandoned village.'
'Look carefully around you — I am certain you will find a story everywhere'
'I communicated with local residents, often through sign language. Sometimes I was invited to join them at the table. The camera around my neck and the fact that I was travelling alone aroused both curiosity and suspicion in equal measure. Day after day I captured the scenes I was fortunate enough to witness. Look carefully around you — I am certain you will find a story everywhere.' — Gert Verbelen
Verbelen's documentary photographs carry a great deal of sadness and solitude. At the same time, they reveal the strength of small communities and a deep love for one's home place. These images are worlds unto themselves. Every detail holds a story and tells it to anyone who pauses to look.
Gert studied graphic design and photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent (KASK & Conservatorium / School of Arts Gent), graduating in 2014. Even then, while still a student, his work was celebrated at the international photography festival in Breda — BredaPhoto International Photo Festival
Gert has also published a photobook featuring images from the series, with a cover he designed himself. It is available on the website — uitgeverijkannibaal.be.
Losko has previously written about similar photography projects suffused with melancholy and everyday emptiness. Among these are projects such as Subjective Landscapes, Spaces and Faces and the Architectural Heritage of America.
