Introduction
The 2005 jury visited the graduation exhibitions of the art academies.
WINNER 2005
Wytske van Keulen
Linda Maria Birbeck - honorable mention
NOMINEES 2005
Christina Meldgaard (Rietveld)
Veronica Spierenburg (Rietveld)
Vincent Zedelius (Rietveld)
Danielle van Ark (KABK)
Klaartje Esch (AKI)
Paul Versteeg (St. Joost)
Kim Boske (KABK)
Linda Maria Birbeck (HKU)
Wytske van Keulen (St. Joost)
JURY 2005
Miriam Bestebreurtje
Kim Bouvy
Ron Mandos
Download the Jury Report.
ABSTRACT FROM THE JURY REPORT
Christina Meldgaard
Christina Meldgaard created a series of black and white portraits of a (presumed) father and son. With subtle variations in the interaction between the figures, she builds up significant tension that raises questions not only about the relationship between the figures but also about the genre of portraiture within photography and the techniques used. The exceptionally focused research, the courage to keep the subject matter small, and the thoughtful presentation were impressive. It allows the viewer's mind to roam freely.
Veronica Spierenburg
Veronica Spierenburg conducted four image studies using photography and video. Perspective and perception are at the center, to which she adds sensual experiences with a alienating image technique to challenge the viewer. She explores a tension between the static photographic and the moving image. While the atmospheres and stories evoked may sometimes be cryptic, the way the research is conducted and the wide-ranging imagery are admirable.
Vincent Zedelius
Vincent Zedelius created two series about a village that was relocated for economic reasons. In the first series, the houses have been torn down, but the gardens still exist. It turns out that the old residents still tend to their gardens. The second series is about the abandoned houses themselves and how intruders interact with them.
Vincent has an eye for where the emotion of the events truly becomes tangible, and the strength of the work does not depend on the initial content. It possesses such visual quality that it draws the viewer in both as a series and as standalone imagery.
Danielle van Ark
Danielle van Ark used conventional photography to convey a sense of 'us and them'. She created a series about the art world in New York, depicting gallerists, audiences, waitstaff during opulent openings, and serious collectors. From the series, she compiled a book that provides insight into this world while also allowing the viewer a voyeuristic enjoyment. The gallery acts as a typological setting within which Van Ark concentrates on variations of human behavior. She references major predecessors in both photography and painting. Danielle not only knew how to be in the right place but also has a particularly keen eye for what makes an event special and a bit absurd.
Klaartje Esch
Klaartje Esch used a highly photographic style. She captured nighttime images of industrial landscapes, maintaining a tight composition despite the disorienting light effects. What left a strong impression were the well-chosen technique, formats, and presentation.
Paul Versteeg
Paul Versteeg followed a veterinarian in his work, revealing how distant our attitude towards animals has become. Alongside often shocking images of the veterinarian's practice, he juxtaposes images that clarify our unrealistic yearning for romance when it comes to farm life. Paul's imagery and technique are very assured, enabling him to effectively convey a complex subject matter.
Kim Boske
Kim Boske has a fascination with the passage of time. For her series of floral still lifes and interior shots, she chose a hotel as the location — a place where time is always precisely measured. She then captured the still lifes throughout the day, with changing light, later merging them into the final image. The result is a profound stillness and an eerie light. Her unique approach and grounded knowledge of her painterly inspirations were impressive.
Linda Maria Birbeck
She created two series: Portraits of girls in the backseat of cars at an American car gathering, and a particularly intimate portrait of a young couple who end up at the bottom of society due to circumstances. Despite many difficult and dramatic moments, the couple's love remains steadfast. Linda Maria intimately connects with the two protagonists, offering the viewer a unique insight into the lives of these extraordinary young people.
Beyond the rarity of a young artist being so closely involved with such a story, it's Linda Maria's narrative approach that sways us. She dedicates herself to the story wholeheartedly while maintaining enough distance for the viewer to form their own opinion, without intrusive photography. Additionally, the work reflects a profound awareness of this specific theme in photography and the associated pitfalls of exoticism and sentimentality. An impressively mature work that left a significant impact.
Wytske van Keulen
Wytske van Keulen created a photobook about a Dutch family that moved to the French Pyrenees in the 1960s and put down roots there. In this sparsely populated region, the presence of the Dutch is conspicuous, and their life story is captivating. Van Keulen tells the story with empathy and understanding, using photography more than just documentary. With a sure hand, she weaves narrative photography with autonomous images that add to the story: emotion, atmosphere, and imagination. Portraits of individuals and group situations alternate with beautiful arcadian landscapes, appealing to the projected dreams of many Norther Europeans about a simple life in France. Skillfully, she walks the line between this romanticization and the sobering reality of people who actually pursued this dream.
The careful montage in the book alternates between these two poles like a well-composed musical piece that stands strong amid the surrounding cacophony. With its meticulousness and narrative, visual, and technical qualities, the book is irresistible to a broad audience.
The careful montage in the book alternates between these two poles like a well-composed musical piece that stands strong amid the surrounding cacophony. With its meticulousness and narrative, visual, and technical qualities, the book is irresistible to a broad audience.