An eye on the landscape by Cobi de Jong

What at first glance appears to be a detail of a weathered object is transformed, through the cropping, into a small, abstract landscape. Lines become the horizon, marks take on the appearance of clouds or mist, and various shades of blue and grey create a sense of space and depth.
At the centre of the image is a circular element that barely reveals itself. It resembles an eye gazing back from the dark surface. It is precisely this small detail that creates an intriguing counterbalance to the large, tranquil areas surrounding it.
Photographing from very close up creates a sense of distance from reality. The object’s original function recedes into the background, making way for the imagination.
This photograph invites you to look for longer. What do you actually see? An industrial detail, a weathered wall, a horizon, or perhaps an imaginary landscape?
In my work, I often seek out this tipping point between reality and abstraction. By removing everyday details from their original setting and framing them carefully, new images emerge that leave room for personal interpretation.