Jonk

Spotlight on a Master of the Lens

Jonk is a French photographer and explorer who takes photographs of abandoned buildings and places reclaimed by nature.  His work has been described as “atmospheric, often eerie, and visually beautiful.” Jonk focuses on what seems to be the vast topic of abandonment: places taken over by nature. It was said at a recent exhibition of his work that it is “almost magical to witness nature getting back what had been there.” In an interview, Jonk said that he hopes his work helps others gain or enhance what he calls an ‘ecological conscience.’  Certainly Jonk’s work carries a strong message; the question of man’s place on earth, and his relation to nature.

Jonk never hesitates to travel many distances to discover and immortalize unknown places. It was said “he allows us to see the environment’s power with a fresh look and brings us, with raw poetry, to the edge of spaces left behind.”

Some of Jonk’s best-known projects/books include:

• Naturalia
• Naturalia II
• Naturalia III
• The Lost World

We intend to add more photographs and much more about Jonk’s life and thoughts in upcoming issues of this website.  In the meantime please email me with questions and comments about what you have just seen.  I will forward your emails to Jonk.