ABANDONED No.11

This rather odd scene of a small shed perched on top of a mound of grass was located out in the middle of ploughed land on a farm. 

Artist: MARTIN OSNER  

Edition: 35 

Medium: Archival print on fine art paper

Print Sizes: 

• 100cm x 77cm / 39" x 30" (Including border)
• 110cm x 83cm / 43" x 32" (Including border)

ABOUT THE ABANDONED COLLECTION

The purpose of this body of work is to highlight today's modern "throw-away" society and the excessive desire to have. Consumerism has reached an all-time high in the world. Homes are filled with the best modern electronic equipment, beautiful cars are parked in the garages, and caravans and motorboats are lined up to guarantee an exciting weekend away. These items have a relatively short shelf life, soon they will be traded in for a new model and their journey towards insignificance commences ... Read More >>

THE STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

Back in 2004, I stumbled upon an incredible scene just outside Pretoria in the town of Brits. There was this small, abandoned shed perched on a grassy island in the middle of a vast plowed field, surrounded by farms. The moment I saw it, I knew I had to photograph it when the light was just right.

Luckily, I had a chance to visit Brits again and noticed that the weather was changing, with heavy rain expected the next morning. This was the perfect opportunity to capture that moody atmosphere I chose for this collection.

However, there was a catch. The morning I headed out before daybreak I discovered that the shed was located on private property, and the only access was through the main gate right next to the farmer's house. I knew it was too early to bother him, so I took a chance and drove through the gate, and free wheeled the Landy passed his dwelling, hoping to be quick and unnoticed.

As the first light came through, the sky was dark and foreboding with a break in the clouds on the eastern horizon, exactly what I needed for the photograph. I wasted no time and within fifteen minutes, I had the perfect shot. The adrenaline was pumping as I knew I had captured something special.

But just as I was leaving, I made a clumsy mistake and closed the back door of my Land Rover a bit too loudly. That startled the farmer's dogs, and I knew I was in trouble. As I drove up passed the farm house, there he was – the farmer, standing before me with a shotgun in hand. It felt like movie, he was wearing a vest without sleeves and it looked like he had a hangover from the night before. My heart raced as I tried to remain calm.

I greeted him with a shaky "Goie more maneer," which means "Good morning sir" only to find out he wasn't one for formalities. He demanded to know what I was doing on his land, and I knew telling him the truth would probably make things worse. So, I replied, "Sorry, I'm lost."

The farmer looked at my Land Rover and said, "no wonder, its because you drive a Land Rover" I looked over at his his garage, and there was a line of white Toyota pickups. It was a bit comical, but I didn't dare laugh. He pointed me toward the gate, and I quickly drove off, feeling lucky to have escaped any real trouble.

Looking back, I realised that many of the abandoned prints in my collection were captured without permission, but the fleeting moments and perfect lighting often left me no choice. And yes, for the record, I still drive my trusty Land Rover and haven't gotten truly "lost" yet.

It was an adventure I'll never forget, and that limited edition print of the Abandoned No.11 now holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the daring pursuit of art and the unexpected thrills along the way.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

On a winter’s day in 1984 “photography” and I met quite by accident, an encounter that redirected my life and changed it forever. Over the past twenty-eight years, while walking a path of self-discovery, my methodology has taken numerous detours. A journey that has refined a relaxed subconscious attitude, with a desire to express simplicity and honesty through my work. For me, a photograph holds an undeniable sense of realism, a new correlation that is easy to associate with. I see I understand; I experience, I connect. In my photography, I allow day to day life to provide inspiration ... Read More >>