Semiwild

At Castle Loevestein in Zaltbommel, the Netherlands, a few groups of around 40 koniks roam around hectares of grounds managed by a foundation aimed to restore nature on many fronts. The horses are 'let go as much as possible' but still managed in the sense that they are regularly checked (at distance) and moved to different grazing areas every once in a while. They are not domesticated and the breed 'konik' is a small strong horse that is a descendent from the wild breed Tarpan. Biomechanically, these horses are extremely sound, stable and strong because influence of humans in the breeding selection processes where and are limited. They still live within fences and they are used to people roaming the same grounds, but distance should be kept to not disturb the herds. They are as wild as they can get in the Netherlands. But what does wild actually mean if they cannot survive without enough food in the winter in the places we keep them within fences? Discussions about shooting an amount of horses so the other ones can survive 'better', is that still wild? Managed by humans, living within fences, but as natural and wild as possible. It reflects the boundaries of wild and domesticated which are articulated through our choices for these specific semi wild horses versus our domesticated horses. 

My choice for Hahnemühle Bamboo Fine Art paper is based on the intention to decrease human impact and improve the sustainability of our world. Both through the subjects of photography and the way I create my art is aligned with the idea of having as little negative impact on my surroundings. And keeping it natural and sustainable with limited edition prints on bamboo fibers. I see and capture the world and subjects as they are and how I see them with my documentary style photography. Naturally beautiful without interference and sometimes painful when you start to think about the impact of human choices on other lives and the world.