German photographer Hendrik Faure began his career in general medicine, specializing in psychiatry in the mid 1970’s eventually running a psychiatric unit in 1981. His fascination and love of photography had taken shape in the mid 1960’s focusing on black and white darkroom techniques. It wasn’t until 1995 that his interest in still life took shape, using large format cameras. In 2005 he gained experience in heliogravure, leading to his current practice.

Hendrik Faure’s photogravures depict still life and lonely landscapes with richly textured, haunting results. Using objects in his studio Faure creates intimate microcosms combined with the reoccurring themes of life, beauty and decay. Flora and fauna wilt and dry alongside animals, reptiles, birds, skulls and mannequins. Despite the sombre nature of the the subjects his imagery is rich with emotive and silent composure. The distressed appearance of Faure’s photogravures creates a venerable classicism. His sometimes-surreal scenes slowly reveal themselves amidst the distressed qualities of the gravure. His prolific output is aided by neighbors whom readily donate any naturally deceased animals found on their land. He refers to these creatures simply as his ‘models’ creating delicate interpretations of them with care and sensitivity.