People: Portrait (AMATEUR) - HONORABLE MENTION
Whanganui
Photo © richard westerhuis
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An ocean is like a human being I feel a deep spiritual connection with.
The waters are sacred and should be protected. - Richard Westerhuis
We, human beings, feel the need to protect ourselves on a daily basis. We feed ourselves, we try to take care of our health. We know that our vulnerability can change or end our lives in the blink of an eye. We escape or fight when we are in danger. Most of the time we do what’s best for us and we put ourselves first. However, this ego has also caused a lot of problems over the years; environmental problems make headlines every single day, yet some people -some leaders- still believe there’s no need to invest in solutions. Directly and indirectly human life is destroying nature and its waters.
Recently, the wonderful news was announced by minister Finlayson that the Whanganui River in New Zealand finally has its human rights (source: ABC Australia). The Iwi (tribe) has been fighting for the rights of this living whole since the 1870s. Is it strange or even delusional to desire this recognition for the relationship between us, humans, and this force of nature?
Water will always be our most precious resource of life. However, it also difficult to fully grasp nature because our oxygen needing bodies are not able to reach this underwater world. The closer we come to exploring, the higher the risk of drowning. Maybe some people are not able to have a genuine connection with nature because of a physical and mental distance? When our brains are made up of 75 percent of water surely we must be able to experience the deepest oceans in the imagination of the mind.
Westerhuis challenges the viewer to fantasize what the experience of unexplored nature looks like
The “dramatizing elements,” as the artist calls them, are what makes his images their narrative power: his subjects are performers, professionals and amateurs. Whose interior self can differ greatly from their projected selves. Working together with those who are not afraid to be themselves. Whenever this is expressive or modest and are willing to open up. Those who throw off their masks.
He believes there’s a beauty in being vulnerable.
In a world dominated by artificialness, representation and autogry. Is it still possible to be yourself? Are we still unique?
With a background in psychology, Richard investigates through photography which roles of individualism and collectivism affects our social interactions and relationships. In ways by looking at our self and others.
Staging from his own observations and creativity moments of our daily lives.
BACK TO GALLERY
An ocean is like a human being I feel a deep spiritual connection with.
The waters are sacred and should be protected. - Richard Westerhuis
We, human beings, feel the need to protect ourselves on a daily basis. We feed ourselves, we try to take care of our health. We know that our vulnerability can change or end our lives in the blink of an eye. We escape or fight when we are in danger. Most of the time we do what’s best for us and we put ourselves first. However, this ego has also caused a lot of problems over the years; environmental problems make headlines every single day, yet some people -some leaders- still believe there’s no need to invest in solutions. Directly and indirectly human life is destroying nature and its waters.
Recently, the wonderful news was announced by minister Finlayson that the Whanganui River in New Zealand finally has its human rights (source: ABC Australia). The Iwi (tribe) has been fighting for the rights of this living whole since the 1870s. Is it strange or even delusional to desire this recognition for the relationship between us, humans, and this force of nature?
Water will always be our most precious resource of life. However, it also difficult to fully grasp nature because our oxygen needing bodies are not able to reach this underwater world. The closer we come to exploring, the higher the risk of drowning. Maybe some people are not able to have a genuine connection with nature because of a physical and mental distance? When our brains are made up of 75 percent of water surely we must be able to experience the deepest oceans in the imagination of the mind.
Westerhuis challenges the viewer to fantasize what the experience of unexplored nature looks like
About author:
Richard Westerhuis (b. 1965) is a Dutch photographer who’s work emcompasses staged photography as well as intuitive in the moment.The “dramatizing elements,” as the artist calls them, are what makes his images their narrative power: his subjects are performers, professionals and amateurs. Whose interior self can differ greatly from their projected selves. Working together with those who are not afraid to be themselves. Whenever this is expressive or modest and are willing to open up. Those who throw off their masks.
He believes there’s a beauty in being vulnerable.
In a world dominated by artificialness, representation and autogry. Is it still possible to be yourself? Are we still unique?
With a background in psychology, Richard investigates through photography which roles of individualism and collectivism affects our social interactions and relationships. In ways by looking at our self and others.
Staging from his own observations and creativity moments of our daily lives.
BACK TO GALLERY
