jimmy kets: brightside and shot in flanders

jimmy kets ‘brightside / shot in flanders’ de brakke grond, amsterdam march 18 – april 17, 2011

‘benidorm’ from the brightside series image courtesy of de brakke grond all images © jimmy kets

belgium based photographer jimmy kets (b. 1979) presents two photo exhibitions ‘brightside and shot in flanders’ at the de brakke grond gallery in amsterdam. kets’ recent work has been directed toward artificial environments like erotic fairs, theme parks and zoos. using a harsh direct flash he aims to reveal the shallowness and falsity in their perceived value allowing for the people in the photos to appear almost as extras.

kets deliberately avoids a psychological approach: “I don’t feel the need to draw blood. what fascinates me is that first impression, the way people present their exterior to the world.”

‘shot in flanders’ documents how the symbolism and iconography of mythical america has taken root in the city of flanders. while ‘brightside’ is a ruthless investigation into the international amusement industry.

the exhibition will have an opening reception thursday 17 march at 5pm.

‘elvis’ from the shot in flanders series image courtesy of de brakke grond

‘pack of cigarettes’ from the brightside series image courtesy of de brakke grond

‘big fun’ from the shot in flanders series image courtesy of de brakke grond

Below are samples from his work for the newspaper ‘de standaard’

left: ‘cafe amerika’ right: ‘rudi vranckx’

left: ‘waterloo’ right: ‘congo’