The Velvet Zone

The edges of society, the fringes of life, and secret worlds is what intrigues me and what I look for.
Also in abandoned places where experiences which have taken place create a sphere one cannot see, only feel.
During my search for a hidden world, I discover a brothel in Amsterdam.
While discussing the project that I hope to set-in-motion with the Madam of the house
she says: ''Then you need to come and work here, build-up trust with the girls. only then will you be able to understand and be able to draw a map about this life.”
I start that weekend as the assistent manager.
After some time the trust is establishes and I get the chance to document this world and begin to photograph the rooms after the deed is accomplished, this is like being in the nerve centre of the brothel. I notice my photos contain more than the rooms alone, they capture the way life in a brothel is lived.

As soon as a click is made between the girl and a client, the price paid and the key recieved, a new reality emerges. For one hour both are transported from daily life into a small isolated intimate space. The sole constant element is the ticking of the clock. When time is up, everything reverts back to the ordinary. Sheets are changed, a skirt is straghtened, shoes are put on and life begins anew. It is a surreal world filled with theatrical moments and every time again, I am utterly surprised and full of wonder how this all comes into play. I experience it as a privilege to photograph this world.
Everything I look for in my photography is contained in it: abstaction, impressionism and isolation.
Although the nights are long, in the early morning after returning home, while listening to the birds singing, I review the images from the previous night, and feel very satisfied

This in The Velvet World of the Night