Photography
Since 2008 I’ve been working as a documentary photographer self-initiated projects. Theme in my work is relationship to nature. Thorough (sociologically based) research plays a central role in all my work.
Botanical Gardens (work in progress)
in collaboration with Rob Wetzer
Nieuwe Oernatuur
Nieuwe Oernatuur [photobook]
Sterre Sprengers [photography + text]
€25,-
Selfpublished, 2008
Order copy
[dutch only]
New Primeval Nature
In 1990 is the Nature planning policy outlined, which stipulates that the Netherlands should consist of 728,500 hectares of nature in 2018, a threefold increase. To achieve this, new pieces of land are allocated as nature development areas. Together with existing nature they form the Ecological Main Structure, an unbroken nature-infrastructure, connecting all nature reserves in the Netherlands. These areas are acquired and fit out in such a way that it allows nature to develop in its own pace. Existing nature reserves are also rearranged in a way that allows nature to restore to its original state. Nature in the Netherlands should regain the character and value it had before human interference and cultivation. Nature will be left to its own devices. Threatened plant and animal species regain space and freedom to develop. This New Primeval Nature is started now in the Netherlands, and will regain its original character not until twenty years. Make-ability of nature feels like a contradiction. What kind of primeval nature is that, to let itself be created?
The book New Primeval Nature shows the Dutch nature reserves where recently new primeval nature is created. Nine areas make up the chapters, introduced by a short text on the development of the region. Text and image together give insight into Dutch nature policy.
[photo’s Sterre Sprengers]