Ostend Photobiennale

Curated by the renowned photographer Stephane Verheye, the International Photobiennale Ostend is a major visual arts event that transforms the Belgian coastal city into an indoor and outdoor exhibition space, featuring the work of more than 30 Belgian and international photographers across several locations.

Soo’s photographs were printed by Milo-Profi in a dramatic, large-scale format, and were displayed as freestanding pieces within Central Park@Sea on Victorialaan in Ostend. “This beautiful, serene garden was filled with lavender flowers and bunny tail grasses, and there was a water fountain with Koi Carp. It felt like the perfect setting to take some time out and view these photographs,” Soo reflects. 

At this large scale, each artwork held a striking sense of presence, inviting the viewer to stand back, to walk around, and to get in close. Soo’s eye for symmetry and her carefully balanced architectural compositions took on new dimensions when viewed not only against the softness of this natural setting, but also within the wider landscape of the background buildings.

Indeed the location for each exhibition was carefully selected to help create a synergy between each artist’s work and the surroundings. “It was absolutely incredible to see these pieces, at this size, in this location,” Soo says. “For me, it was a surprise to see how well these photographs sat within this natural environment, and I could immediately understand why Stephane had chosen this place. It was a really special experience to be there, and to see my work displayed in this very dynamic and different way.”