EXHIBITIONS FORSAKEN BEAUTY

COMING SOON
June 2025 …

PAST

2022 •FORSAKEN BEAUTY - LEGRAND BELGIUM •Zaventem
2019 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - THE GIRL IN MY SOUP • Vilvoorde
2018 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - KAPZONE • Vilvoorde
2018 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - AZ Jan Portaels • Vilvoorde
2017 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - Unizo Winter Pop-up• Vilvoorde
2017 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - Bazaar Trendy Lab • Vilvoorde
2017 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - L’Omalienne • Liège  
2016 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - La Mairie • France
2015 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - L’Omalienne •Liège
2015 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - Bassenge On Move • Liège
2015 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - De Kruitfabriek • Vilvoorde
2014 • NOUS SOMMES DES PHOTOGRAPHIES – T&T • Brussels
2014 • FORSAKEN BEAUTY - 8ART – L’Usine Gallery •Brussels
2012 • BiiAM BELGITUDE – Jonas Gallery • Brussels
2012 • MAD ART – Mad Tiger Shop • Vilvoorde
2010 • FLAIR OBSCUR – Beeldenstorm • Brussels
2009• L’AUTRE – Atelier Contraste • Brussels

Publications

2020• Een vrederechter vertelt - G.Putteman
2016 • De Randkrant Belgium - N. Dirix
2016 • Vilvordeanno Belgium - L. Van Daele
2015 • Het Vilvoorde Kwartier Belgium - G. Meul
2013 • Blind Owl Underground’s Urbex Nashville Usa

Nominations

WEEKEND BLOG AWARD : 3th category Photography, Brussels, 2013
8BEAUFORT : Lauréat Photo Contest, Brusssels, 2010

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I am a photographer based in Belgium, and my journey into photography began after a brief foray into cinematography in 1996 at INRACI in Brussels. While cinematography opened my eyes to the visual world, photography became my true form of expression. Eager to complete what I had not achieved at the technical level, I enrolled in evening classes in 2010 and graduated in photography from the Agnes Varda School of Photography in 2015.

The world I seek to capture is one that feels forgotten but not entirely hidden—where the essence of humanity is quietly told in silence. For some time now, I’ve embraced this silence, aiming to reveal the tenderness in deterioration. I wander, camera in hand, searching for faces and places, beauty and decay, both anticipated and unexpected.

My work explores themes of abandonment, emptiness, and timelessness, seeking to capture moments that evoke reflection and reverence for the forgotten.

Forsaken Beauty | The Paradox of Human Decadence

is a journey—a thrilling adventure in search of oblivion.

It is the discovery of man-made places, once thriving, now forsaken. It is about venturing into unusual spaces, confronting apocalyptic and derelict scenes, and realizing that ruins serve as quiet reminders of our mortality. These places bear the scars of war, natural disasters, negligence, bankruptcy, and economic collapse. And yet, amidst the decay, they exude a mysterious aura—a haunting blend of sadness and beauty.

This photographic work is both observation and narrative, weaving the story of yesterday through the remnants of today.

I am deeply aware of the transience of things. The only constant in life is change. The French expression "le temps passe et nous efface" perfectly captures what I feel when I step into an abandoned building. And yet, to me, this is not a sad thought.

There is so much beauty to be found—in buildings untouched by human hands for years, where weeds awaken in the silence behind closed doors. These places bring me peace. They move me because, without a single word, they reveal the essence of our human existence.

Feel free to contact me regarding limited edition works, prints, licensing, press and photo festivals.

Important Notice: 
For SECURITY & ANONYMITY REASONS I will NO provide any localisation information about the places I've visited! Thank you for understanding.

Helena TOSCANO

Vilvoorde, Belgium | +32 476 605 124 | info@forsakenbeauty.be