Published on
September 18, 2025
From September 20th to April 1st, Ghent’s Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) will showcase an exhibition that is sure to captivate both art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Belgian photographer Stephan Vanfleteren presents Transcripts of a Sea, a collection that captures the untamed spirit of the ocean through a series of striking images taken over the last five years. The exhibition offers visitors a rare chance to explore the sea’s many moods and complexities, highlighting the photographer’s unique relationship with one of nature’s most powerful elements.
Vanfleteren’s exploration of the sea is far from superficial. His photographs go beyond traditional marine photography, capturing not only the beauty but also the raw emotion and volatility of the water. The exhibition offers a fresh perspective on marine art by blending Vanfleteren’s personal connection to the sea with his artistic vision. The result is a striking body of work that invites the viewer to see the ocean as a living, breathing entity.
A Personal Exploration of the Sea’s Essence
Vanfleteren’s photographic journey reveals both the peaceful and intense sides of the sea. His images capture the vast contrasts of the ocean, from tranquil, mirror-like waters that stretch out into the horizon, to turbulent and stormy seas that seem to rage with a mind of their own. This duality reflects the unpredictable nature of the sea and Vanfleteren’s deep understanding of its power.
Unlike many photographers who observe the sea from a distance, Vanfleteren takes a much more immersive approach. He does not remain safely on shore but rather dives into the water, physically engaging with the very element he seeks to capture. This hands-on exploration allows him to experience the sea up close, feeling its force and rhythm. His photographs convey the dynamic energy of the ocean, offering the viewer a rare and intimate glimpse of what lies beneath the surface. By putting himself in direct confrontation with the sea, Vanfleteren’s work is imbued with an authenticity and urgency that’s difficult to replicate.
His photographs don’t just depict a scene – they tell a story. Each image has been crafted to evoke an emotional response, whether it’s awe at the beauty of a still, fog-covered sea or a sense of tension from the churning waves. Through his lens, Vanfleteren invites the viewer to experience the sea’s moods as if they were standing alongside him, immersed in its vastness and mystery.
A Dialogue with Legendary Artists
Vanfleteren’s work is not just a personal exploration; it also places him in dialogue with some of the most renowned artists who have been equally fascinated by the sea. The exhibition features works by iconic figures like Gustave Courbet, James Ensor, Léon Spilliaert, August Strindberg, and Pierre Dumas, all of whom have explored the ocean through their own artistic lenses. Like these legendary artists, Vanfleteren resists the urge to merely observe from the shore. Instead, he seeks to capture the sea’s emotional and spiritual essence.
By placing his photographs alongside the works of these artists, Vanfleteren creates a conversation across time and space. His approach to the sea is personal, yet universal, connecting him to the tradition of marine art while also pushing its boundaries. The exhibition emphasizes the common thread that runs through the work of these artists – a shared obsession with the sea and its ability to evoke both beauty and danger.
An Obsession
Vanfleteren describes his work as being driven by what he calls an obsession and fluid desire. These words reflect the deep passion that fuels his exploration of the sea. He doesn’t see his relationship with the ocean as a casual interest – it’s a lifelong pursuit that draws him back again and again. His obsession with capturing the ever-changing moods of the sea is both a creative drive and a personal quest, one that has led him to spend countless hours in the water, seeking the perfect shot.
This intense dedication to his craft is evident in every photograph. Vanfleteren’s work reveals a photographer who is not afraid to confront the raw power of nature, whether that means standing at the edge of a violent storm or diving into the calmest of waters. His photographs are not just images – they are emotional responses to the sea’s ever-present pull, a reflection of his deep connection to this vast and unpredictable world.
Experience the Sea Like Never Before
For those eager to see the world through the eyes of an artist who has spent years immersed in the sea’s moods, Transcripts of a Sea offers an unmissable experience. Vanfleteren’s work offers a fresh and captivating look at the ocean, one that reveals the beauty, the danger, and the mystery of the sea in ways that have never been seen before. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of marine art or a newcomer to the genre, this exhibition provides a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities the sea holds.
By showcasing the vast and shifting moods of the ocean, Vanfleteren allows viewers to reconsider the sea as more than just a scenic backdrop. It becomes an ever-changing, dynamic force that is as much a part of the human experience as it is of the natural world. His ability to convey this depth of feeling through his photographs is what makes Transcripts of a Sea so compelling.
Conclusion
Stephan Vanfleteren’s Transcripts of a Sea is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in exploring the profound connection between humans and the natural world. Through his compelling images, Vanfleteren captures the soul of the sea, offering a fresh perspective on a subject that has fascinated artists for centuries. By immersing himself in the sea’s moods, Vanfleteren brings the viewer closer to the raw power and beauty of the ocean than ever before. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique exhibition at the MSK in Ghent.
