THE LAIUS COMPLEX - MEINDERT PEIRENS
Meindert Peirens (b. 1986, Belgium), based in Ghent, is an autodidact photographer, fascinated by the many manual techniques the analogue art has to offer. He likes to explore the many possibilities - twice shot film (double-exposures), pinhole-tape filters, solarization-self-development, and darkroom-light experiments.
In his ongoing series ‘The Laius Complex’, Peirens explores the notion of contemporary fatherhood. When becoming a father himself, he noticed how the emotions and struggles he experienced himself differed from those of his partner. On his journey of parenthood, Peirens even crossed paths with depression and as a result, he lost both his job and a connection with the mother of his son.
The series is shot in black and white and presents fragments of trunks and tranquil landscapes which are alternated with portraits of his son. As viewers, we are provided with the inner state of mind that reflects Peirens’ fatherhood experiences which are mingling on the borders of excitement, love and despair.
‘The Laius Complex’ is a work in progress. Currently, Peirens additionally documents other young and soon to be fathers.
Birth
I was waiting for your sound
not realizing you were already here
No, you did not cry when you were born
Neither did we
Rebirth
One with strong roots
Laughs at storms
Stand tall little one
You can meet Peirens' work and other 99 great photography talents on FRESH EYES book.