“Notice All the Natural Things You Can See”: Reconstructed Nature by Artists Luke and Nik Asks Readers to Be More Present
As the days evidently get shorter and shorter and there is little left of the year's daylight, I witness faces on the underground which look more tired than a few weeks ago and the energy level of many Londoners, including my own, seem to be out of place.
Winter is near and so is the change of season, which often comes with a period in life when one feels cut off from the world. “A perfect time to escape the city again” that is what’s on the wandering mind while being outside in the cold.
Growing up in the Austrian Alps, I have always been deeply rooted in natural landscapes, and I return to them when the noise of a city gets too loud. London is one of the greenest cities in the world and yet, I was certain that you can only experience nature and feel present when being outside surrounded by trees rather than people. Then I found a parcel in front of my door with a L&N sticker on it.
As I unwrapped the package, “Reconstructed Nature”, a playful, informative but most importantly calm and meditative photography book by artist duo Luke and Nik greeted me. It was as if it was reaching me at the very right time when the urge to escape the city became almost unbearable and so did the sound of the rain, which only got heavier and heavier around me. I got introduced to L&N work during my Documentary Photography studies, which already made me believe in the power of art and that there are indeed no limitations to one’s expression. Their artistic approach to image making in particular, has been a reminder of how important visual storytelling is in connection to embracing the creative journey and not only celebrating final outcomes. An approach that often gets overlooked in the creative industry, I feel.
Flipping through the book, I immediately noticed that the pages were designed to be torn apart and it is up to the reader which hidden photographs or text will be discovered. Having a curious mind and being intrigued by London-based Designer Tom Booth Woodger’s design of the book and the eye catching introduction text by Ellen Miles, I immediately got reminded of the many possibilities an art object like this can be experienced. It became very clear that “Reconstructed Nature” is not a work that can be rushed nor become one of these books that is collecting dust on the shelf. Which is why I took my time and began the journey.
While I was carefully gazing at some of the colorful analog photo collages of flowers, rocks, and natural landscapes of Denmark and the UK, I stumbled across that page that makes this book even more of a collaborative project. “Exercise 1” it says in capital letters and with a blink of an eye, I found myself putting on my yellow wellies and made my way outside while having the book tucked underneath my arms. Challenge accepted.
Headphones on with music that calms my sticky brain, as my feet slowly walked me to the nearest green space: Peckham Rye Park. I read Luke and Nik’s words whilst humming to classical music in my ear
“notice all the natural things you can see, feel and hear”.
So, I took off my headphones and followed their instructions.
Something I have never come across in traditional photography books, where the artists invite you to activate your senses and find presence outside rather than in their work only. I have been holding photography workshops myself in nature with a similar ethos but never thought of a photographic book that allows an individual to experience what seems a 1:1 workshop by the artist duo at any given time of the day and year. Being a collector of many artist books, mostly photography-related, I must admit that sometimes I am frustrated by the ‘Ego’ in the photography and art world. Where creators truly share their work that often feels like a big validation for themselves, that is not very accessible for others. Even more so, I am fascinated by L&N collaborating with each other and yet finding a way to collaborate with strangers that they have never met.
With every single page in this book, I was reminded of their striking work, but equally about their approach to ‘collaboration’. As artists, it can often be a solitude, perhaps even a lonesome practice, when one single person is constantly working for and by themselves. I can only imagine the excitement of working as a Duo, having that sidekick and creative collaborator on your side, and taking on roles like being each other’s lighthouse, when there are storms at times.
I am sure it is not always that simple to create in togetherness, to constantly check in with that other person, and to find common ground when it comes to the act of making and following one’s vision. But fact is, Luke and Nik have been creating and working together for over a decade, which makes me believe in community and the importance of sticking together rather than stepping on each other's feet.
It would be silly of me to share parts of the book in detail because that feels as if I would reveal the ending of a novel. However, I believe there is no ending to it, as you can pick it up anytime. Whether you want to look at their stunning collage work, find inspiration in the colors of our earth, or once again take yourself on a journey of connecting with nature when you may feel disconnected from it. This book is not only for those, seeking connection in times of disconnection, but truly for anyone who wants to get inspired by open minded artists and alternative processes.
As I slowly finished the last exercises of the book, I felt fresh headed and ready to make my way to the Darkroom at Photofusion. This is where I first saw Luke and Nik’s work “Reconstructed Nature: The Collaborative Process” in the form of an exhibition which was curated by Jessica Wan this summer. I remember leaving the exhibition space with a similar feeling; somewhat “recharged”. A part of me knew that exhibitions are not going to be there forever, which is why I was hoping for L&N to release the work through a physical object that I could return to whenever it is needed. Now the book is in my hands, tempting thoughts of “Shall I cut my photography negatives in the Darkroom” are on my mind and the reassurance of feeling more present as part of L&N invitation to a “nature escape” in South London stays with me.
An utterly brilliant and refreshing book which I am sure I will return to many times, when the urge to escape the city during “wintering” becomes unbearable or when I am longing for connection in times of disconnection.
But most importantly, I will pick it up to be reminded of the wonders of collaborations, our natural earth and the endless possibilities within one’s creative process.