about the uncanny At first sight the everyday places and events I shoot seem plain and meaningless. The compositions and limited presence of color result in a certain degree of realism. Furthermore, I avoid dramatic light and shadow effects, conspicuous digital processing and a lack of depth of field. All of this leads to a clean image of almost total insignificance. But below this anonymous surface it smoulders.

In my photos no people are visible. Yet you can feel their immediacy. Have they just left? Are they hiding? Are they approaching the scene? Subtle traces of their presence may be perceived here and there. A growing sense of discomfort creeps upon us as we notice more and more details. Have these places witnessed a great human drama?

Probably not.

In my work I seek an explanation for the uncomfortable feeling that forces itself upon me as I am confronted with someting uncanny. I can't put my finger on it, and yet there are many people who are susceptible to this uneasiness. Every one of them for his own reasons.

about the photographer Rick Stolk. Born in Delft, 1970. Royal Academy of Arts [KABK], The Hague - Photographical Design [1996, cum laude]. Has been working on the project The Uncanny [Das Unheimliche, after S. Freud] since april 2006.

about the photos 1m² [39.4"x39.4"] Lambda-prints mounted on dibond. Semi-matte laminated, U-profile hanging system included. All photos are for sale. Initial and preferable dimensions are as mentioned above. Other sizes and therefore prices are negotiable.