IMPERISHABLE (series)

Western Europe is a landscape carved by faith. Regardless of personal belief, our collective identity is inextricably linked to a religious past that continues to shape our modern visual language and ethical framework. In the seriesIMPERISHABLE, Dutch fine art photographer Arjan Spannenburg explores this enduring presence, capturing how ancient narratives survive within our secular, contemporary world.

As Spannenburg himself observes:"

**INSTRUCTIONS:**
- Output ONLY the translated text in plain text format
- Do NOT add explanations or notes
- Do NOT wrap in quotes
- Do NOT use markdown formatting (no **, no *, no __)
- Preserve ALL spaces exactly - if there's a space before/after a word, keep it
- Keep exact spacing and line breaksOne need not believe in God, or Jesus Christ, to still carry one's own cross."

**INSTRUCTIONS:**
- Output ONLY the translated text in plain text format
- Do NOT add explanations or notes
- Do NOT wrap in quotes
- Do NOT use markdown formatting (no **, no *, no __)
- Preserve ALL spaces exactly - if there's a space before/after a word, keep it
- Keep exact spacing and line breaks

This series matters because it uncovers the "invisible" religious framework informing our social fabric. Utilising the dramaticchiaroscuroof the Dutch Masters, Spannenburg treats religious iconography not as a matter of devotion, but as a foundational layer of Western identity. The two works,ImperishableandAustere,serve as a photographic study of our societal DNA. By isolating the symbol of the cross, Spannenburg invites the viewer to recognise the echoes of the past in the silence of the present.