Photography: Moments Before the Flood, By Carl de Keyzer

 

Sunday 03 June 2012 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Moments Before the Flood, says David Van Reybrouck in his introduction to the Belgian photographer Carl de Keyzer's new monograph, is a "photographic study of uncertainty".

Shot during the course of a four-year pilgrimage around the 65,000km (40,400 mile) coastline of Europe, it pays particular attention to the ancient bulwarks that were erected in a (usually vain) attempt to ward off invasion, as well as modern-day and perhaps equally quixotic preparations for the eventuality of rising sea levels. Human figures creep into the frame, but they tend to be small and thus vulnerable. And despite the pictures' pleasing aesthetics, says Van Reybrouck, "beneath the inviting surface, they crackle with cruel realities".

Shown left, Italy. Sicily. Cefalu. (2010).

Lannoo £50

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in