Constructed Photography

After years of painting I took up photography out of the blue. Now I am registered at the Art Centre Rotterdam and working in the field of portraits, social documentary and stilllife photography.

Central to my work is the psychological and social vulnerability of humanity, or vulnerable nature, as well as their mutual relationship. This theme is depicted both playfully and critically in portrait series and stilll lifes.

My pictures seem to represent reality, but is in fact made up of Photoshop elements , the individual person and a specifically selected background ( just like paintings). The montages are rather precisely constructed images with references to paintings than photographs of reality. It could be reality. It is precisely this reality that has been made (sometimes this is also visible) that forces to think about the message that I want to convey.

My photographic work is often critical. Humor or a deeper layer is often shown in my photographs and paintings. There is more to see than seems at first. Creativity and emotions comes first, technique is of minor importance. Something I have learned as painter at the Academy of Art and Design (WBK) in The Hague. But those niceties are not soul saving. I use therefor consciously form elements and tools to be able to tell my story better. Composition, lines and layers are essential elements.

If you are interested in my work or if you have ideas to use or exhibit the series, please don't hesitate to contact me.

EDUCATION

1996-2006 Free Academy for Fine Arts, The Hague.

1993-1996 Academy for Arts, Rotterdam


VIDEO

Donizettilaan 25 3055 SG ROTTERDAM info@monicavankleef.nl +31 (0)648608448

Volg mij op Facebook en Instagram