Eye of Photography has a 10 photo exhibition of Stel that really captures the texture and feel of abandoned structures. Here is how they categorize his work:
Jan Stel explores and photographs desolate places of our time. A forgotten world from which the human presence has disappeared. Over the past twenty years he has photographed numerous locations at home and abroad, including an old gas tank, steel plant, cooling tower, power station, large winery, casino and stately mansions. The ten cabinets and period rooms of the monumental museum form an ideal décor for the exhibition.
The artist has a great fascination for the aesthetics of past glory. It is the essence of his photographic work. The history of precious, authentic buildings, the absence of people and lost craftsmanship play a prominent role. The past left behind is photographed with pure, natural light, without flash or studio lights.