Newsletter 10/24
NRC Magazine
Available in stores for readers in The Netherlands: This Saturday (November 2nd), you can find an interview with me in NRC Magazine, the monthly supplement of NRC. And I’m also proud to announce that my portrait of Roosje is featured on the cover.
Last month, I was delighted to learn that writer Sanne van Rij would be interviewing me for the magazine. Being familiar with her work, I knew she would capture my story with depth and insight.
She visited me for coffee at my home in Rotterdam and we talked about my work, personal life, and of course the portrait of Roosje, which will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was a wonderful conversation, and I’m really proud of how the interview turned out.
I hope you enjoy reading it!
Head On Portrait Award 2024
While still processing the excitement of being a Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize finalist, I received the news that I’m also a finalist for the 2024 Australian Head On Portrait Award! An international panel selected one of my personal favorites: the portrait of Cybersissy and BayBJane.
The Head On Award, held annually in Sydney, Australia, is a prestigious competition celebrating outstanding portrait photography from around the globe. My portrait will be showcased alongside the works of other talented artists at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery in Sydney. The exhibition will run from November 9, 2024, to December 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the exhibition in person, as I’ll be in London at that time for the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize exhibition. While there, I’ll also work on a new photo series, which I’ll share more about soon.
About the selected image
The image features Cybersissy & BayBJane, alter egos of Antoine Timmermans and Mourad Zerhouni, iconic figures from the international club scene. As an intergalactic queen and a bionic man, they transcend personal challenges. They use spectacular costumes to blur the lines between gender, fashion, art, and performance. They are challenging norms and exploring new artistic expressions.
The 1940s bedroom, particularly in the Queen Anne style, embodies a sense of traditional elegance and sophistication. In contrast, the bold and extravagant queer identities of Cybersissy and BayBJane bring a modern twist, creating a captivating juxtaposition within this historical backdrop.
Despite these contrasts, the opulent style of both the performers and the room creates visual harmony. The rich detailing and vibrant colors unify the scene, where the flamboyant personalities of the performers seamlessly blend into the lavish environment, offering a coherent and immersive aesthetic.
