BART KUYKENS / Photographer

from b500

by b500magazine

LAST WORD / Steve Loughton

Norbert Singer by Bart Kuykens

b500 magazine

BART KUYKENS

Photographer

Belgium-born Bart Kuykens successfully navigated both the art world and commercial photography since the outset of his career. Following the global success of his automotive art books ‘A Flat6 love affair’, he has attracted the attention of world-class actors, musicians, and media personalities who have become subjects of his grainy, visually-rich and powerful black and white portraits. I ’m pleased to be included into b500 magazine with my own regular page. Del (Editor) first contacted me about my book series. ‘A Flat6 Love Affair’, but after a great conversation between us we both agreed that my new page should perhaps be about all of my work, as my book series is only in fact a small part of what I do as a regular photographer.

For those of you finding me for the first time, I am a Belgium-born analogue photographer working with Hasselblad and Leica film cameras. My style has been noted as, ‘edgy, dark and sometimes a little dirty but always playful with a not so serious touch’. More recently my work has been fashion and portrait assignments, often in London, Paris or LA

My Porsche book series has been very successful and allowed me more freedom to create new projects and work, but of course we are all in a different place for the last six months. During this time I have worked more online and with my galleries, where I have sold some of my prints. It’s been a very reflective time for many of us who are used to travelling much of our time. So I’ve spent more time with my family, read some books and I guess planned ahead for when things started to get back to normal, which more recently has meant a couple of trips to London and Paris for some shoots, but of course it’s still difficult as there are still very few events taking place, so I’m just waiting like everyone to go back to normal work with exhibitions and galleries opening up again so we can try to sell some works.

Life after the virus pandemic will be different but I suspect will return to normal, but maybe what people are describing to be a ‘new normal’, whatever that is. Who knows. I’m excited to get back out there and to travel to the States, see my friends again and work.

The image opposite is of Norbert Singer, who for most of you reading will need no introduction. I shot this image on my Leica in the Porsche facility in Stuttgart. It was a fun day, and Norbert has great stories about all the old cars, the racing drivers and races.

Until next issue, I’m Bart Kuykens and you can follow me on Instagram @bartkuykens

EVENTS

London Concours 2020

Iwas delighted to receive an invitation to attend the London Concours to cover the event for this issue of b500 magazine. As you can see from my associated images which I took on the second of the two days, on Thursday 20th August, there were some simply incredible cars on display.

Set within the intimate gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company, the London Concours presented by Montres

Breguet, is a luxurious automotive garden party hosted right in the heart of the City of London.

This exciting automobile extravaganza had 80 of the world’s most precious cars all gathered in the gardens of the historic and beautiful Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters and included special collections arranged into individually curated displays.

The two days included entertainment on the lawns, a selection of retail chalets featuring luxury brands and artisan goods, and various options of food and drink to match.

It’s difficult but certainly not impossible to highlight a small selection of the cars on display, and worthy of a mention include the row of Lancia rally legends on display. It was also a pleasure to spend some time with Moss Automotive (see elsewhere this issue), and discuss plans for our editorial issues ahead.

All photos: Del Gregory @b500magazine