Interview: Martijn Walet
Luca Curci talks with Martijn Walet during VISIONS, third appointment of CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello in Venice.

Walking through the ashes of time, flaring up the dust of what once was. Being aware of the energetic life that once embraced this place. A passion for abandoned places. 

I am Martijn Walet, Urban Photographer, with a passion for abandoned (or derelict) locations. That moment when I feel the warmth of the sun embrace me, even on the coldest winter days. Walking towards this ‘new’ beauty who was lost and forgotten in time. This doesn’t just warm up my body, it warms up my mind. It gives a certain sensation which is incomprehensible. The transitions some of these places make during their years of abandonment give me a rush. A rush to explore, a rush to capture it with my camera. Eager to bring the past back to life. Every time I walk into a certain location, I am aware of the belongings people have left behind. Some for no reason in particular, others for reasons unknown to me. Every location has its own rich history. If only the walls could talk, they would tell you an absolute Hollywood story. On some occasions, I’ll learn the history of a location, and there I will encounter attributes that will throw me back 40/50 years. Stunned, amazed and enamoure,d it has been “frozen” in time. That is the atmosphere I love to capture… making it Urban Fine Art. 

Luca Curci – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
Martijn Walet – My inspiration for my photos is always shaped by the environment, the composition, and the depth of the scene. I aim to infuse my images with layers of depth, so they feel dynamic and almost narrative, as if the photo itself is telling a story. I never have a clear idea of what I’ll find until I arrive, so my creativity is driven by the moment. The unpredictability of the situation means that I must improvise, evaluating the surroundings, reading the atmosphere, and then choosing the best way to capture the essence of that specific subject.

LC – How important is the editing process in your work? How’s yours?
MW – The editing process is extremely important. I pay particular attention to the highlights, ensuring that buildings are aligned properly, and I accentuate where needed. If a subject is particularly significant, I enhance the contrast to make the photo come alive, giving it more presence. I want my photos to have depth and vibrance – flat, lifeless images don’t appeal to me. Every detail in the editing process is about enhancing the emotion and atmosphere that the image is meant to express.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
MW – Being an artist today is incredibly difficult. The advent of digital photography and accessible equipment has led many to believe that just because they own a camera, they are photographers or artists. I have years of experience as a photographer and use only high-quality materials for my work. The oversaturation of images in the market makes it challenging to stand out, and there is a lot of misperception about what it takes to truly create meaningful art.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich you and your art?
MW –  Absolutely. I always listen to feedback. I find it valuable to hear opinions and suggestions from others, as it opens up new perspectives that I might not have considered. Feedback helps me grow and evolve. I always take the comments from others into account when visiting my next location. However, returning to the same location to reshoot is not desired, especially because most of these places are extremely hard to reach.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artwork?
MW – The most challenging part is finding and gaining access to the locations, getting inside without being noticed or risking injury is sometimes a challenge. I love exploring these places in every corner of the world, and the risk adds a layer of thrill but also difficulty to my work. It makes the story, it makes the artwork.

LC – In which way is the artwork presented in our exhibition connected with the exhibition’s theme?
MW – I try to uncover the stories of hidden locations and capture what once was. The mystery and evolution of these places hold something fascinating, much like the hidden parts of our identities.
Who walked here before? When was this location still visited? These elements of history, change, and mystery tie directly into the theme of the exhibition, exploring the connection between our past and present through the lens of forgotten or hidden spaces.

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
MW – One piece that stands out to me is Thermal Pink. It truly pops out and catches the eye with its vibrant colours. It has a dynamic energy that makes me feel alive. On the other hand, Enjoy the Silence holds a deeper emotional value for me. It always brings a sense of tranquillity and peace. I imagine the owner of the location lying in a bath, sipping red wine, and gazing out the window – there’s a serene, almost meditative quality to it. The other artwork, Psychic Corner, also deeply resonates with me. It is one of the most famous corners in an abandoned psychiatric ward. The depth and colors in the scene are incredible to behold. It is almost as if the artwork draws you into the space, making you wander within it. The moment I set foot on this ground, I completely fell in love with this place. It carries a long history related to mental health, and the atmosphere of the space reflects that profound history, adding another layer of meaning to the work.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
MW – I think the information and communications provided by the gallery are excellent, professional and inviting. I especially appreciated how responsive and efficient the contact with Giulia was. However, I had hoped for more involvement in the sales process of the artworks.