Natural sources by Jochen Lempert

Jochen Lempert stands out for a photographic approach deeply rooted in his scientific background. As a former biologist specializing in ornithology and the study of dragonflies, he brings an analytical and precise gaze to his black-and-white images. His work primarily focuses on plant and animal subjects, combining scientific rigor with poetic, humorous, and melancholic dimensions. The prints on baryta-coated matte paper enhance the texture and materiality of his works, emphasizing his sensitivity to the often-invisible details of nature.

What makes Lempert’s practice unique is his ability to capture the invisible within the ordinary. Using analog techniques, he immortalizes subtle moments and phenomena that elude the inattentive eye, such as the fragmented trajectories of a bird in flight or the unusual properties of a plant carried by the soles of shoes. Each photograph invites meticulous observation, challenging our perception and transforming mundane scenes into fascinating revelations.

Lempert also aligns with a historical lineage, paying homage to figures like Anna Atkins, a pioneer of botanical photography. He explores the connections between art and science by employing early photographic techniques to illustrate the fragilities and wonders of the natural world. His work echoes the early days of photography, where images straddled the line between documentary purposes and aesthetic exploration, while maintaining a striking contemporary relevance.

Through his series, Lempert captures the fragility of existence, whether it be ephemeral natural phenomena or extinct species like the Great Auk. With meticulous attention, he constructs a photographic memory that highlights the tensions between permanence and disappearance, and between the visible and the invisible. His work goes beyond simple scientific documentation to offer a profound reflection on how we see and interact with nature, celebrating both its complexity and its vulnerability.