Daan Oude Elferink

3 – 31 October 2020

Daan Oude Elferink (Daanoe) was born in 1978 near Nijmegen, The Netherlands. In early 2009 he bought his first camera and within three years he had become one of Europe’s most original and collected photographic artists. His extraordinary photographs capturing the urban decay of grand buildings throughout Europe have gained him international recognition and a huge following in just a few short years.

Captivated by urban decay and particularly the fallen grandeur symbolised by the many ruined mansions of past European aristocracy, imperial public buildings and even the industrial and utilitarian, Daanoe uncovered a majestic lost world which offers a fascinating portal into an overlooked and mysterious beauty.

In the artist’s words, “Decay ignites the imagination – you’d be surprised at what people leave behind, often for unknown reasons. Once beautiful homes, still fully furnished. Everything covered in a layer of dust and rubble. Hospitals with patient files scattered in the hallways. Theatres and ballrooms, now empty of laughter. Memories of what used to be.

With time, nature starts to take over. As the years pass, buildings and the secrets they keep crumble and decay. On first glance you see a pile of mouldy debris, but look closer and you will find breath-taking beauty.”

Daanoe takes you on a tour of the world beyond ‘no-entry’ signs and locked doors. His motto is Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.