Steef Zoetmulder (1911-2004) in Kunsthal Rotterdam
14/08/2023.
[Rotterdam] Netherlands 2.09.2023 > 07.01.2024
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
The photographer Steef Zoetmulder (1911-2004) is a key figure in post-war Dutch art photography who became known for his creative depictions of everyday reality. Unusual structures and patterns, emphasized by unexpected perspectives, lighting, and cutouts are characteristic of his work.
From Saturday 2 September, Kunsthal Rotterdam will be presenting the exhibition ‘Steef Zoetmulder’, compiled from the collection of Leiden University Libraries (Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden, UBL). Over fifty vintage prints, created by Zoetmulder himself, will be shown to the public for the very first time at the Kunsthal: iconic Rotterdam buildings, still lifes, portraits, and abstract compositions.
From Saturday 2 September, Kunsthal Rotterdam will be presenting the exhibition ‘Steef Zoetmulder’, compiled from the collection of Leiden University Libraries (Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden, UBL). Over fifty vintage prints, created by Zoetmulder himself, will be shown to the public for the very first time at the Kunsthal: iconic Rotterdam buildings, still lifes, portraits, and abstract compositions.
Van Nelle Tea, Steef Zoetmulder, 1953. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, ca. 50 x40 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
Rotterdam, Nationale Energie Manifestatie (E55), 1955, Steef Zoetmulder. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, 49,6 x 39,6 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
Van Nelle Tea, Steef Zoetmulder, 1953. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, ca. 50 x40 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
Rotterdam, Zadkine, Steef Zoetmulder, 1955. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, 48,5 x 37,5 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
Bouw HBU-gebouw (Erasmushuis), Coolsingel Rotterdam, Steef Zoetmulder, ca. 1939. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, 47,5 x 37,5 cm. Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden
Van Nelle Tea, Steef Zoetmulder, 1953. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, ca. 50 x40 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
Steef Zoetmulder grew up during the Interbellum. Inspired by photographers like Piet Zwart, Gerrit Kiljan, and Jan Kamman he followed the basic principles of New Photography, a movement focused on depicting the subject matter in an idiosyncratic and graphic way.
Inspired by "Subjektive Fotografie" (Subjective Photography), which prioritized form over documenting the subject matter, Zoetmulder later developed a visual language of his own. In his increasingly abstract work, he experimented with different image cutouts, lighting techniques, perspectives, and compositions, which he referred to as "photographic motifs". For the work, he composed with light and glass – his so-called "light graphs" – Zoetmulder photographed through distorted glass or water: experiments reminiscent of the distortions used in surrealistic photography.
Van Nelle Tea, Steef Zoetmulder, 1953. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, ca. 50 x40 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
The exhibition Steef Zoetmulder is realized in collaboration with UBL, a knowledge node for photography and custodian of the oldest historical photography collection in the Netherlands. Recently, UBL acquired the central collection of Steef Zoetmulder's work, thanks to the support of Vereniging Rembrandt. the Mondriaan Fund, and Friends of UBL.
Inspired by "Subjektive Fotografie" (Subjective Photography), which prioritized form over documenting the subject matter, Zoetmulder later developed a visual language of his own. In his increasingly abstract work, he experimented with different image cutouts, lighting techniques, perspectives, and compositions, which he referred to as "photographic motifs". For the work, he composed with light and glass – his so-called "light graphs" – Zoetmulder photographed through distorted glass or water: experiments reminiscent of the distortions used in surrealistic photography.
Van Nelle Tea, Steef Zoetmulder, 1953. Ontwikkelgelatinezilverdruk, ca. 50 x40 cm Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden.
The exhibition Steef Zoetmulder is realized in collaboration with UBL, a knowledge node for photography and custodian of the oldest historical photography collection in the Netherlands. Recently, UBL acquired the central collection of Steef Zoetmulder's work, thanks to the support of Vereniging Rembrandt. the Mondriaan Fund, and Friends of UBL.
More information
Photographer
Steef Zoetmulder.
Dates
2 September 2023 until 7 January 2024.
Venue / Localitation
Kunsthal Rotterdam. Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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