LOVE AFFAIR
Bart Kuykens talks to Total 911 about his final instalment of fine automotive photography
Belgian photographer Bart Kuykens has appeared on the pages of Total 911 before. He’s responsible for the popular book series A Flat Six Love Affair, where Bart would document the style, attitude and affection of air-cooled Porsche 911 owners through the lens of his Leica, printed in black and white on high-quality paper.
The popular book series, which reached seven editions, has been crowned with this, an eighth and final book, titled The Essential Love Affair. Bart tells us all about it…
Total 911: What is The Essential Love Affair?
Bart Kuykens: The Essential Love Affair will be my director’s cut – the ultimate collection of photographs I liked most. Pictures that brought up the best memories or emotions. The photos I used during exhibitions and those I believe deserve a place in this last book.
It’s been a long and exciting journey, and I’m happy to share this with you. This book is also for those who don’t have the complete set but still want to enjoy my analogue black-and-white photographs. Or for those who want to add this coffee table book to their book collection. The Essential Love Affair is a ‘best of’ for those who don’t have the seven separate volumes of A Flat Six Love Affair, but also for Porsche aficionados who like to have another coffee table book on their bookshelf.
Why did you start the project?
Because I had so many people interested in one of the previous volumes but they’re all sold out, except
VOL. 7, so I thought this was the right thing to do.
What’s been the purpose of your photography-led Porsche journey to date?
It wasn’t my intention to make seven books, but I guess the demand created the journey in some way. Personally, I wanted to document something I really liked and appreciated, and I wanted to do this in black and white on roll film. That was the challenge for me.
Why is this the last instalment?
Because you have to know when to stop. I can easily make another best of, and another one… but when money becomes the motive then I’m not at my best anymore. I want to keep stretching myself with other projects and stay creative. The next projects can also be automotive-themed, but it has to be another angle.
Who has been your most inspired guest in the book?
That’s a tough one. I photographed almost 250 people in the series. Everyone had a story and a reason why I photographed them. Paloma Picasso was interesting for me because of her background. Jay Leno was nice because I used to watch him when I was younger. Achim Anscheidt was a great source of inspiration. Norbert Singer had a bunch of stories. I should write a book about all the stories…
Why only air-cooled Porsche?
Although I photographed a few water-cooled Porsches, my passion is the air-cooled era. It’s also nicer to photograph these classic cars.
So what’s next?
I’m working on another automotive project. Let’s see how it gets more into shape once I’m all in! Other than that I’m thinking of releasing my second portrait book at the end of 2023 as well.