In the Studio | Jan Prengel
German photographer, Jan Prengel, approaches urban landscapes with an eye for minimalist abstraction. We sat down with him to learn more about his process and the how he came to be a photographer.
TAPPAN
Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist...
JAN PRENGEL
I've always liked to be creative and to create something new, that contains something of my personality and makes it visible to other people. I came to photography in 2010 during a trip to Paris. Inspired by the life and unique atmosphere of this city, I started taking my first photos in the streets of Paris and was instantly addicted.
TAPPAN
What is your creative process?
JAN PRENGEL
In the beginning there is the inspiration. I write down the ideas and thoughts to get them out of my head. If an idea is still in my head after one week, I know that it is potential content for a new project. This is followed by the concrete planning phase in which concept, design elements, light, place and time are defined. Afterwards photograph, select, edit and print.
TAPPAN
Describe your work in three words...
JAN PRENGEL
Silence. Colors. Composition.
TAPPAN
Where do you draw inspiration from?
JAN PRENGEL
Modern architecture, art, photographers, traveling, exhibitions, books, movies, conversations, music, podcasts, instagram...
Jan Prengel says:
“I TRY TO CREATE A COMPOSITION WHERE YOUR EYES COME TO REST, A COMPOSITION WHICH 'FEELS' RIGHT.”
TAPPAN
Your photographs sometimes include a figure. Why do you choose to do incorporate a person within the architectural landscape?
JAN PRENGEL
Incorporating a person, brings the architectural landscape to life. If I decide to do this, I am not interested in the person as an individual but in the relation of the human to the environment.
TAPPAN
What messages or emotions do you hope to convey to your audience?
JAN PRENGEL
I want to convey the silence, beauty and harmony I felt at the time of photographing, and try to create a composition where your eyes come to rest, a composition which 'feels' right.
TAPPAN
Who are some contemporaries or figures in art history who have influenced you?
JAN PRENGEL
Andreas Gursky, Josef Hoflehner, Christoph Niemann
TAPPAN
Are there any quotes or mantras that you particularly connect with?
JAN PRENGEL
“You can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.“ - Steve Jobs
TAPPAN
What makes you laugh?
JAN PRENGEL
Talking to friends about shared experiences in youth.
TAPPAN
What makes you nervous?
JAN PRENGEL
If my iPhone's battery is below 20%.
TAPPAN
What makes you excited about the future?
JAN PRENGEL
How technical progress will change the world and society.
