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ETHOS - PATHOS — a Self-reflection
Antwerp, 2022
In de Brabander’s photography, vulnerability is palpable, a willingness to transcend surface appearances. It echoes how martyrs endured suffering for their beliefs and how saints displayed their scars as symbols of divine favor. Through his self-portraits, de Brabander fearlessly confronts his desires, fears, and the intricate facets of the human psyche.
In the absence of what you desire, a profound yearning for something significant, something that adds meaning and depth to existence, takes hold. This longing becomes especially potent when feeling alone or isolated.
During the year when my partner was working and living abroad, desire took on a profound significance in my life, a deep yearning for his presence.
To cope with this longing de Brabander often turns to creating self-portraits. They serve as a means to explore and express innermost desires, revealing the inner world during a period of solitude. Each gesture or captured expression symbolizes an emotional journey, encapsulating not only longing but also the odyssey taken during moments of separation.
Through the lens, Yves de Brabander seamlessly bridges the gap between the viewer and his subject, himself. In this introspective series, he extends an invitation to the audience to join him in unraveling life’s complexities.
Yves de Brabander’s self-portraiture acts as a mirror, reflecting not only his own experiences but also the nuances of self-reflection and desire. In these visual narratives, the artist both shapes and is shaped, transcending boundaries.
SELF-CASTRATION, A mutilated self-portrait
Antwerp, 2023
Growing up in the mid-’90s, I witnessed a transformation in the world where attitudes towards sexuality and the exposed male form became more liberal and normalized. However, this shift took a turn when social media norms and regulations began to impose restrictions and change the landscape once again.
Suddenly, I felt constrained by the rules and taboos of online platforms, which were preventing me to express myself freely or showcase my art.
In response, I embarked on a journey to reclaim my freedom. I coined the term "self-castration" to describe how I intentionally dismantle and reshape my self-portraits and artworks that represent me, often through physical alterations like cutting or tearing.
This quest for freedom drove me to create this self-portrait, where I boldly take control to break free from societal norms and online expectations. Through nudity, I symbolize my newfound liberation, showcasing both vulnerability and authenticity.
With this artwork, I assert my autonomy and explore the complexities of identity, self-expression, and the boundaries of societal acceptance. It stands as a testament to breaking free from the confines of online norms, inspiring viewers to engage in a deeper dialogue about the human body, artistic expression, and the desires that drive us to create.