Follow Pie on Instagram
Dutch photographer Pie Aerts’ work examines and questions the intricate and often melancholic relationship between people and place, in an attempt to explain why we seem increasingly disconnected from each other, ourselves, and the environment that sustains us. By offering nuanced and personal perspectives on memory, longing and human resilience, he explores how cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the natural landscapes we inhabit. In doing so, he consistently chooses to prioritise hope over despair.
In what ways does nature inspire or inform your work?
Nature is central to my work, not only as a subject, but as a force that shapes who we are. By telling stories about memory, myth, human resilience and the psychological weight of the landscapes we inhabit, I explore how the land we inhabit shapes us into the people we are, and what happens to us when we lose our connection to it, and, in turn, a part of our identity.
What does it mean to you to be part of a thriving ecosystem?
To be part of a thriving ecosystem means understanding that absolutely nothing exists in isolation. Every person, place and living thing is connected, and our actions inevitably affect the world around us. For me, it is about contributing to that balance rather than simply taking from it. It means being curious, respectful and aware of the relationships that sustain a place, and recognising that we have a responsibility to protect them for those who come after us. Therefore, giving back to nature and culture, through my work, became integral to my practise and entire way of being.
