The Pile

The pile of pure white toilet paper rolls in the toilet. A rather unusual place for photography. Yet the perspective and experience are so commonplace. The need is elementary. On a hidden level, there’s also an allusion to hygiene and the culture of the “water closet” (WC). The cool colour scheme emphasises the (preferably) clinical, clean, but uncomfortable atmosphere of these places – they’re not meant for lingering.

Such “uncommon places” or the “photography of the mundane” became an art form in the early photographs of William Eggleston and Stephen Shore in the 1960s. These role models also inspire my perception and execution of motifs. Then it’s a matter of trying things out and practising.

In contrast, one can also do their business outdoors. I experienced the result of this in Verona, among other places. That’s rather disgusting. But does photography always have to depict aesthetic beauty or kitschy sunsets?