Iwan Baan, a maestro behind the lens, breathes vitality into architecture, transcending mere structures to capture the heartbeat of design. His lens isn’t a passive observer; it’s a storyteller, weaving narratives through light, shadow, and the human experience within these spaces.
Baan’s artistry lies in his ability to find the soul of a building. Recently, He showcased the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, in the first major retrospective dedicated to the Dutch photographer. “Iwan Baan. Moments in Architecture” can be seen through March 3, 2024, after which the exhibition will travel to museums around the world.
Yet, it’s not just about buildings; it’s about the people who inhabit and interact with them. Baan’s lens is attuned to the human element—the spontaneous laughter in a communal space, the solitary figure against a vast backdrop.Im doing so he reflects thr architecture’s purpose beyond the blueprint.
“You’re present, you wait for the moment. But you also don’t know exactly what to expect,” says Baan, describing his approach to photography. ”
Iwan Baan doesn’t only photograph new and contemporary designs. He is fascinated by unusual, traditional buildings — for example, the rock churches in Ethiopia or the Fujian tulou, traditional circular villages in China.
In essence, Iwan Baan doesn’t just photograph architecture; he orchestrates a visual symphony where buildings harmonize with their surroundings and the people within them. His lens is a passport to the essence of a place, inviting viewers to step beyond the bricks and mortar into the beating heart of architectural wonders.