Olivier Colle, a 45-year-old father from Ostend, Belgium, has dedicated over a decade to the art of photography, transforming his passion into a profound exploration of nature, humanity, and the intricate connections that bind us all. Born in 1979, Olivier’s journey as a photographer began in 2010 when he embraced the medium as a means of expression and discovery. An autodidact, he honed his skills through hands-on experience, engaging conversations with peers, and the supportive feedback from the vibrant community at Belgium Digital.
Olivier’s photography is deeply influenced by his fascination with nature and wildlife. He finds solace and inspiration in capturing the delicate details of flora and fauna, often drawing upon the beauty of the night sky and the moon’s mystical presence. This connection to the universe extends beyond aesthetics; it informs his worldview, intertwining concepts of astronomy and astrology into his artistic vision.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Olivier’s life, particularly during his tenure as a paramedic. The challenges of that period prompted him to reevaluate his priorities, leading to a transformative realization: his happiness was not contingent upon external validation or specific job titles. This introspection became a turning point, allowing him to reconnect with his passions and embrace the uncertainty of life.
In 2021, Olivier launched the “One Art One Earth” project, inspired by the poem of the same name by Elizabeth Bishop, which resonated deeply with his core values. This endeavor aims to raise awareness about the fragility of our planet and encourages collective action to protect it. Olivier’s photography serves as a powerful medium to connect with others, inspiring them to appreciate the beauty of the world and take meaningful steps toward its preservation.
His ongoing series, “Waves of Hope,” reflects his personal journey and the shared human experience, drawing inspiration from his coastal hometown. This series was recently recognized with a “Highly Commended” award in the prestigious Magical Nature International Photography Competition. Olivier’s body of work also includes other visual narratives such as “More Human,” which critiques contemporary monetary policies, and “Butterfly FX,” a call to action about the impact of seemingly small choices.
Olivier’s versatility as a photographer is evident in his diverse portfolio, which spans categories such as landscape, wildlife, wedding, and architecture. His iconic image of a rabbit, captured in a whimsical moment, gained recognition when it was featured in a National Geographic student book and garnered media attention from outlets like CNN. He has also achieved notable accolades, including third place for Belgium and first place for the Netherlands in the Wildlife Photography category of a prestigious collector’s book.
In 2024, Olivier embarked on a unique project honoring the influential artist James Ensor, creating a life-sized replica of the Laurentic, a ship that transported gold during World War I. This intricate piece, constructed from paper and newspapers, serves as a poignant visual narrative that explores the plight of refugees navigating the challenges of conflict and rising far-right politics. Through this work, Olivier highlights the absurdity of imaginary borders that divide humanity, emphasizing our shared experiences and the need for compassion.
Olivier Colle believes in the transformative power of art to transcend boundaries and evoke deep emotions. Through “One Art One Earth,” he invites fellow artists to join him in creating a cohesive body of work that reflects our interconnectedness with the planet. His mission is clear: to inspire others to recognize the beauty of our world and take action to protect it for future generations. In doing so, Olivier not only captures the essence of nature through his lens but also fosters a collective commitment to preserving the fragile beauty of our shared home.
Photo credits: Olivier Colle
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“Am I Different” / Arsenaal tower @ Vlissingen with the writing ‘Ergens ben ik anders ben ik nergens, Somewhere am i else i am nowhere’
This question echoes through the human experience, a universal inquiry into our place within the world. We are shaped by our surroundings, the diverse tapestry of people we encounter, and the unique experiences that color our lives. These interactions, these shared moments, contribute to the rich mosaic of humanity. But do these differences truly separate us, or do they weave us together into a more complex and beautiful whole? This piece explores the concept of diversity, prompting us to consider how our individual experiences contribute to the shared human story. It asks us to reflect on whether our differences are a source of division or a testament to the incredible spectrum of human existence. Perhaps, it is in our differences that we find our greatest strength and our deepest connection. This work seeks guidance in understanding the complexities of human diversity. The “Somewhere I Am” got awarded.
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“Heads Up”
The wise old man, with knowing eyes, lived a solitary life in the heart of the bustling city. His quiet wisdom drew others to him like moths to a flame. A young woman, troubled and uncertain, sought solace from the sage. He listened patiently, then spoke, “Heads up, young one. A storm is brewing.” Puzzled, she dismissed his words. No rain was forecast, no clouds loomed. But as days turned into weeks, an unsettling unease crept into the city. A fear of the unknown. The storm the wise old man warned of wasn’t meteorological. It was a societal upheaval, a crisis testing the city’s resilience. Remembering the warning, the young woman prepared herself, not just physically, but emotionally. She reached out to her community, offering support and hope. The storm hit, fierce and unrelenting. Yet, the city, guided by the wise old man’s foresight and the people’s preparedness, weathered the crisis. The once troubled woman emerged as a beacon of strength and compassion. She learned the hard way that a simple warning, a “heads up,” from a wise owl can be a lifeline in the face of adversity.
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“Starlights”
Starlights…. shine bright… This is for you…
The starlights gleam, a frosty night,
Where Christmas magic takes its flight.
On rooftops hushed, a gentle breeze,
Whispers secrets through the trees.
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