Chapel in the rain by Whispering Fields Hageland

Along a Bekkevoort road in the Hageland region stands this small chapel with Mary behind glass. The window is covered in raindrops and subtly reflects the surroundings. It is a moment of devotion in the middle of the everyday.
For me, this folk architecture belongs to the landscape like hedges, cows and field roads.

I photographed frontally to preserve the symmetry of the brickwork and flower vases, with the trellis deliberately out of focus in the foreground. A soft framing that gives intimacy, a symbolic protection of past glory.

This image is about folklore: a small reminder of what used to be so important and is still revered today. In this picture, Mary radiates a warm welcome to pilgrims in the rain. She stands the test of time.

On rainy days, the Hageland seems to speak more softly, colours mute, time slows down. The wells in the field roads fill up, while the roads themselves empty out. People flee the rain, but it can be so gentle and tantalising. Rain makes you feel alive. The world gets a little greyer in the rain, but it can also bring so much beauty. Wet materials deepen in colour, contrasts become softer in the distance and bigger up close. The world feels more intense and still.

The combination of brick, glass and drips gives a rich texture that brings a homely warmth to an interior. With the theme of 'the little chapel' you effortlessly bring a piece of Belgian history into your home as well as a reminder of Mary's love. In turn, the medium of contemporary photography keeps it from becoming heavy or preachy. A classic theme in a modern jacket.