To obtain these surreal spaces, Dutch photographer POPEL COUMOU uses a great variety of techniques (paint, clay, fabric, plastics) to construct the illusion of a place. She then carefully lights this architectural collage to add the suggestion of a third dimension to the photographs she takes of these scenes. The result is an image that seems to hold the mid ground between painterly abstraction and geometric photography.

Although people are very rarely visible in her works, their actions and habits do form a pivotal element of these scenes. POPEL COUMOU uses this suggested human interference in the space to create a familiar feeling; a visual grip for the recognition of an abstract construction.

Good news: on Saturday the 27th of November TORCH gallery, Amsterdam (The Netherlands) will open with an exhibition of new work by POPEL COUMOU

Make sure to check out her videos via Vimeo