high up close by — misha de ridder

Published by Roma Publications, 2019
Softcover, 13.4 x 9.5 in.
ISBN 9789492811561
First Edition of 500

Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk, consecrated in 1306, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. After the iconoclasm in 1566, the church slowly gained a serene, sober appearance. Over the course several hundred years, it was enlarged and renovated until the building achieved its current form. Artist misha de ridder was entrusted with the key to the church for a year, to create the works in high up close by. The artist explores the tactility of the walls and the diversity of shapes and forms in the Oude Kerk, through contemplative photographs that encourage viewers to look more deeply. The series brings us closer to the centuries of hands that constructed and altered the church with exceptionally detailed images of painted walls illuminated by soft daylight falling through the tall windows. Even the ink’s scent on the pages and the unique format of the book (with large gatefolds that reveal hidden images within the pages) recalls this spatial experience. Design: Mevis & Van Deursen.

Note: The “Special Edition” version of high up close by comes with a 8 x 10 in. print (the final image in the book preview thumbnails).