Constructed Photography
Dutch Photographer, Image maker and Painter | Stilllife Photography | Portraits | Creative Photography | Documentary | Kracht van Rotterdam 2016 Award
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.
I often photograph people in a selected environment, because it tells a part of the story. In doing so, I search for signs, such as clothing and attributes, that can convey the situation of that person. By using a tight, somewhat classical, composition I can emphasize the emotion of the gaze without any distracting elements playing a role. The composition must lead to the essential part of the photograph: the person and his story. My lighting technology must ensure that the person is delimited against the background, which will function as a decor, such as in the theater.
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
- Beyond the Camera (2020)
- Vernissage Kunstgalerie Bleiswijk (2020)
- De Waternimfen van Lansingerland (2018)
- Groeten uit Rotterdam, beelden van een andere stad (2017)
- Ik zou je het liefst in een doosje willen doen (2017)
Donizettilaan 25 3055 SG ROTTERDAM info@monicavankleef.nl +31 (0)648608448
Copyright © Monica van Kleef | Privacyverklaring |