Artist Statement

As an artist, portrait and documentary photographer, my work endeavors to shed light on the complexities of our society, bringing attention to issues of discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice, through an intimate and humanistic lens. These subjects hold a personal resonance for me, being a gay man myself. Each image I capture is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a visual representation of the beauty and diversity of our world.
My portraits are a manifestation of authenticity, imbued with an iridescent vibrancy that speaks to the individuality and depth of character of each subject. By exposing the raw and honest realities of their experiences, I strive to spark empathetic conversations that engender understanding and inspire positive change.
With a keen eye for the intricacies of identity and a commitment to truth-telling, I aim to use my artistry to shape the narrative around important social issues, and to serve as a visual advocate for marginalized communities. Through the power of imagery, I hope to challenge preconceived notions, disrupt complacency, and ignite a spirit of unity and progress.




clients

Volkskrant – Volkskrant Magazine – Vrij Nederland - Het Parool – LINDA. Magazine – L’HOMO Magazine – Wordt Vervolgd – Google – Marie-Stella-Maris – FNV – Right To Play – Centraal Beheer Achmea – Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – CZAR – Rabobank – NSGK – Vice NL - Booking.com – Municipality of Amsterdam –  CoMensha –  Stichting Openmind –  Rutgers&Posch – FUTUREWOMENX – NPO et al.


exhibitions


2023-2024 Intersex/1 in 90: Outdoor traveling multi media exhibition - collaboration with Lara Aerts & Open Mind Foundation - solo 

2023 June-September - Paris, Cité internationale universitaire de Paris/Collège néerlandais - Antique Pink/Vieux Rose - solo 

2022 November-December - PHOTO IS:RAEL- Tel Aviv- Antique Pink - solo

2022 August - Museum Square, Amsterdam - Antique Pink - solo

2022  June-August - Photoville New York - USA - Antique Pink - solo 

2022 May - Caelum Gallery New York, USA. LENSCULTURE NEW YORK 2022 New Discoveries In Contemporary Photography - SOLD - group 

2022 a human visits the doctor/komt een mens bij de dokter - Outdoor traveling exhibition - Utrecht, Rotterdam, Groningen, Nijmegen, Amsterdam, Maastricht, Leiden

2021-2023 Oudroze/ Antique Pink - Outdoor traveling multi media exhibition - solo (o.a. exhibited at Westermarkt and Stadionplein in Amsterdam in 2021 and many more districts and cities in 2022/2023 )

2021-2022 Legale Liefde/ Legal Love - Outdoor traveling multi media exhibition - solo (exhibited in all 7 city districts in Amsterdam and many other cities.)

2021  Rijksmuseum Twenthe : SOLD - solo

2019 Museum Jan Cunen - SOLD - solo

2019 Museum Hilversum - Ian’s world - solo

2019 Fotofestival Naarden - Grote Kerk - SOLD series 

2019 Cortona On The Move Italy- SOLD series - solo

2017- Present - Outdoor exhibition, 30 different Cities in the Netherlands so far / Strasbourg at the council of Europe/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Hague - Open Your Eyes (Campaign Against Human Trafficking)

2017 Art Basel, Art Basel Miami, Photofairs San Francisco - Dans le milieu

2016 Museum De Fundatie - Dutch Identity (Dutch Portrait Photography Now) 

2015 Unseen - Madarbunia series 

2015 Naarden Photo Festival - Madarbunia series - solo 

2015 The Ravestijn Gallery Amsterdam - Madarbunia series - solo 

2014 Melkweg Gallery Amsterdam - Dans le Milieu series - solo 

2013 Tropen Museum Amsterdam - Natural is Beautiful series 














awards

LensCulture Portrait Awards 2020    

1st prize for SOLD   (more info here)    


SO Award 2020.    

Nomination for Ian's world. Winner will be announced September 2020


ZILVEREN CAMERA AWARDS 2018.

2nd prize Zilveren Camera documentary series for Sold


PAUL PETERS FOTO PRIJS 

1st prize for “Sold”. Thé award for socially committed photography.


SO Award 2015


Nomination for a selection of 10 images from my personal work shot in Bangladesh.


INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2015
Honorable mention for the a selection of childrens portraits from the ‘Madarbunia-Bangladesh’ series in the category People/Portrait/Children


ZILVEREN CAMERA AWARDS 2014
Winner in category Portrait Series for “dans le milieu” .


SO Award 2014
Gold winner for a selection of personal work shot in West Africa.


INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2013
Honorable mention for the ‘Botoxed’ series in the category Fine Art/Portrait and People/Portrait
Honorable mention for the ‘Natural is beautiful’ series in the category Fine Art/Portrait ánd People/Portrait
Honorable mention for the portrait of ex coma patient Lotte, shot for LINDA Magazine, in the category People/Portrait


INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2011
Honorable mention for the ‘Ballet Boys’ series in the category Fine Art/Portrait
Honorable mention for the ‘Ballet Boys’ series in the category People/Portrait


20th PANL AWARDS 2011
nomination for the Ballet Boys series


DE FOTOPRIJS 2011
Winner for the ‘ Mr. Loverlover – the gay escorts ‘ series


PHOTO ACADEMY AWARDS 2010
Winner for the ‘ Mr. Loverlover – the gay escorts ‘


PHOTO ACADEMY AWARDS 2009
Nomination by Melkweg Gallery for the ‘pretty masculine’ series
Nomination by Volkskrant Magazine for the ‘pretty masculine’ series
Winner of Photoacademy Award in the category Volkskrant Magazine





Using Format