Friendships are an important kind of relationship. They are a space to share memories, laugh and cry together. Therefore, it’s alarming that such connections amongst men have declined in recent years. In 2023, the Guardian labelled this as a “friendship recession.” A study from the US found that participants who had at least six close friends fell from 55% in 1990 to 27% in 2021. Closer to home, 27% of men in the UK would say they had none at all. These bonds are crucial to our wellbeing. A systematic review of studies concluded that “friendships have survived through the years and, in our day, are considered vital to psychological flourishing.” David van Dartel (b. 1995) is an acclaimed Dutch photographer whose work focuses on friendship and masculinity. Two of his series, On Vlieland and What Once Was, are making their New York debut at Klompching Gallery, in collaboration with Elliot Gallery, Amsterdam. Dartel sets his subjects within peaceful landscapes, shining a light on the beauty of platonic intimacy and tenderness.
The series On Vlieland is a paradise of ocean waves, pastel sunsets and warm embraces. Dartel’s practice began with this series. He recorded close friends on the island just to the north of The Netherlands. In one shot, we see three companions surrounded by lapping ocean waves. They sit in the waters and stare out towards the setting sun. The motion of the wind and waters are frozen in time so that they can enjoy this moment of undisturbed calm forever. The artist positions the viewer behind them, so it feels as though we are looking out at the beauty of the sky together. It’s an intentionally idyllic scene that, as you take it in, has a relaxing effect. Dartel is fully aware of the atmosphere he creates, stating that “the most important thing when I make a picture is that I like it, it has to represent ‘a world’ where I want to live in.”
Dartel is committed to showing a form of masculinity we don’t typically see. These photographs are far removed from the depictions of aggression, status or stoicism we see across advertising, fiction and sports. He believes that these cultural expectations and “stereotypes” limit our human freedom to express ourselves and live life to the fullest. He breaks these restrictions through the project What Once Was, showing that “masculinity eventually is all about humanity, and that humanity is always associated with a vulnerability and dependency to nature.” Dartel created this after On Vlieland and travelled throughout Europe to construct striking portraits. One memorable vignette shows the pale gold of wheat fields below blue skies and soft clouds. In the centre of the composition, two figures race towards the horizon.
In these photographs, the outside world reflects the tranquillity within subjects who are free to express themselves. The natural imagery brings to mind Tamara Dean and David Uzuchukwu’s compositions that show people who are in harmony with their environments. This Time Tomorrow makes space for vulnerability, support and trust, shown through tender embraces or running into the unknown. Here, companionship is not about exclusion and power but love and support – the keys to human connection.
Klopching Gallery, This Time Tomorrow | Until 27 April
elliott.gallery | klompching.com
Words: Diana Bestwish Tetteh
Image Credits:
- Alessio en Filippo III, 2022 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
- Boje, Ruben en Sil, 2020 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
- Ruben en Sil, 2020 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
- Sil in de Branding, 2018 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
- Romeo, 2022 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
- Alessio en Filippo III, 2022 © David van Dartel/Courtesy Klompching Gallery and Elliott Gallery.
