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Return To Rhythm: A club in transition
In Yan-Yango's ongoing photo series, we witness the evolution from the legacy left behind by Café D'Anvers to the birth of Traum. As he navigates this return to rhythm, we're keeping a close eye on his progress. To get a better understanding of his intentions, we recently interviewed him about his hopes for this project.
Yan-Kevin Yango Bapala ©
TM:
Many have seen you behind the lens at dancefloors, but tell us about Yan! Are you a dreamer?
Yan:
I'm Yan, a 27-year-old photographer and content creator with Congolese roots. I mostly work in the event and music industry, as I’ve been a dancer for as long as I can remember actually (laughs), so it felt like second nature. I often walk around with my head in the clouds, so I guess that makes me a dreamer. I love to think about new ideas, mostly related to photography, such as grading or specific compositions.
TM:
Where does this fascination for photography come from?
Yan:
Even before owning a real camera, I was constantly inspired by different visual mediums. My uncle was a professional photographer, specializing in weddings and documentaries. As a child, he often let me play with his equipment. When I got older, I started capturing moments with my phone, but it never felt quite right. There's just something special about taking photos with a real camera. That’s why I bought my first camera during the pandemic. I did tons of research before making my purchase, basically knowing the whole technical specification out of my head before actually pressing one of the buttons. I think I'm drawn to camera's because I want to capture the essence of moments and places that inspire me, exactly as I experience them.
Yan-Kevin Yango Bapala ©
There’s just something special about taking photos with a real camera. Yan-Yango's
TM:
So, we’ve seen you shooting here at the club during our buildup. What exactly is it that you’re doing?
Yan:
I love telling stories with images, showing a journey from beginning to end. As this space has been untouched since its closure, it felt like the perfect opportunity to tell the story of its transformation from old to new. In three months, I'm going to document the transformation of the former Café d'Anvers from its 2019 closure to the opening of Traum. I've been going to Café d'Anvers since long before it closed, and I was amazed to see how everything was still the same when I re-entered this place. The steel DJ booth with its towering Pioneer sound system, the huge fan against the red walls, and the seats in the smoking area. The building is a time capsule of old-school club culture. That's how I grew up, with old-school rave rules, and this place stands for pure music.
TM:
I bet the other ‘camera nerds’ are itching to know your secrets. Can you share some of your secret techniques to inspire us?
Yan:
For this project, I'm embracing the 'less is more' philosophy. I'm using a minimal setup: two cameras, a tripod, and plenty of film. Everything is shot analog, and I'm specifically using Cinestill 400D film to complement both my style and the building's aesthetic. It gives the images an old-school feel. I'm finally getting to try a technique I've been excited about for a while: long exposures with a shutter release cable. It's great for low-light shots and helps me capture crisp, clear images. Of course, my approach might evolve as the Traum project progresses.
TM:
What has surprised or excited you most about this project?
Yan:
It's thrilling to see Antwerp reclaim its historic institution. I'm honored to be part of its revival. The building's journey through time is truly fascinating. It's gone from a bustling institution to years of neglect, and now it's undergoing a rapid transformation into the vibrant Traum. Time, it seems, is a powerful force.
TM:
And again, time will tell how your current project takes shape and form! We're looking forward to seeing the results and catching up with you later in this process!
Yan-Kevin Yango Bapala ©
Yan-Kevin Yango Bapala ©
Yan-Kevin Yango Bapala ©
We'll keep you updated on Yan's progress through social media and our newsletter. We're confident this won't be a solitary digital experience.
Published:26.12.24
Interview:Maarten Boodts
Photo:Yan-Yang
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