COMMON GROUND

The Convergence of Veteran Identity and Queer Narrative

Common Ground is a profound visual inquiry into the architecture of safety and the boundaries of belonging. In this compelling triptych, Dutch Fine Art Photographer Arjan Spannenburg navigates the complex terrain between his personal history as a veteran and his identity as a gay man. The series utilises the stark, minimalist beauty of the Dutch dunes, a signature of Netherlands landscape photography, to stage a meeting between two worlds often perceived as irreconcilable.

Bridging the Metaphysical and the Physical

The title "Common Ground" refers to both the physical, the shifting sands of the North Sea coast, and the metaphysical: a shared emotional space where labels dissolve. By placing a vulnerable, boyish figure in the embrace of a character draped in traditional Middle Eastern garments, Spannenburg confronts the "fear of the unknown" head-on.

This work is deeply rooted in the artist’s lived experience. He acknowledges the visceral tension of his military missions in Afghanistan, where safety was a luxury, yet he consciously chooses to transform that historical tension into a visual sanctuary.

From Observation to Integration: An Act of Reclamation

Within Spannenburg’s oeuvre, this series marks a pivotal transition. It is not merely a depiction of contrast; it is an act of reclamation. The narrative arc of the triptych mirrors a psychological journey:

• ROOTED:
  
  This collection of contemporary photography explores the profound connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Arjan Spannenburg, an artist with a deep appreciation for authentic expression, presents a series of works that speak to the quiet strength and resilience found in both man and the earth. Each image is a testament to the power of monochrome, capturing moments of raw beauty and subtle vulnerability.
  
  The collection features a selection of fine art prints, meticulously crafted as limited editions. These pieces are not merely decorative; they are designed to be statement pieces, offering depth and character to any interior. Spannenburg's signature atmospheric style, reminiscent of cinematic portrayals of light and shadow, invites contemplation and provides a grounding aesthetic for the modern home.
  
  As an art collector or interior designer in Aotearoa, you will find these works resonate with the values of authenticity and understated elegance that define our art scene. The Dutch heritage of the artist, combined with a distinctly New Zealand appreciation for mood and texture, results in art that is both sophisticated and soulful. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces that embody timeless appeal and considerable provenance.The distant, stable observation.
• EMERGE:
  
  The Arjan Spannenburg collection presents a curated selection of contemporary art, focusing on fine art photography that embodies raw beauty and authentic expression. Each piece, whether a striking monochrome portrait or an atmospheric landscape, is crafted with quiet confidence and a profound understanding of light and shadow. These works are more than just decorative items; they are statement pieces designed to bring depth, character, and a sense of grounding to modern homes. As an art collector in Aotearoa, you'll find these prints offer a unique visual language, resonating with the natural light and elemental textures of our environment. The archival quality ensures longevity, making each limited edition fine art print a timeless addition to any interior design scheme. This exhibition invites you to explore the vulnerability and quiet strength captured within each carefully composed frame.The courage of honest exposure.
• SOLACE:
  
  This series explores the quiet solace found in moments of introspection. Arjan Spannenburg’s monochrome photography captures the subtle interplay of light and shadow, creating a deeply atmospheric and textural visual language. Each image invites the viewer into a contemplative space, highlighting the raw beauty and understated strength present in the natural world and the human form. The prints, offered as limited editions on archival quality paper, are not merely decorative objects but are intended to be statement pieces that bring a sense of depth and character to any interior design. They are a testament to a contemporary aesthetic that values authenticity and a grounded perspective, offering a quiet confidence that resonates with the discerning art collector.The intimate relief of finding peace.

Investment and Curatorial Value

For international art collectors and curators,Common Groundrepresents an essential acquisition. It stands at the intersection of contemporary social dialogue, the evolution of the male gaze, and 21st-century queer narratives. This series offers more than aesthetic beauty; it provides a transformative perspective on multicultural reality and the universal human need for connection.