Bastiaan Woudt (NL)
Bastiaan Woudt (1987) is a self-taught master of black-and-white photography, who has swiftly risen to become an internationally acclaimed fine art photographer and publisher.
His photography fuses classical influences with a contemporary approach to form, texture, and contrast. Although his professional career only began in 2011, he quickly established himself as a praised name within the art world. He creates portraits, landscapes, and still lifes with a sublime eye for monochrome contrasts, silhouettes, and the play of shadow and light. His style evokes the masters he so admires, such as Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, while at the same time embracing modern editing techniques. His work is often described as “abstract yet sharp, with a strong focus on detail.”
Woudt’s influence in the art world is undeniable; his works have been exhibited at leading fairs such as Paris Photo, AIPAD and Photo London. He is represented by galleries such as Bildhalle (Zurich), Atlas Gallery (London), Jackson Fine Art (Atlanta) and Fahey/Klein Gallery (Los Angeles).
In addition to exhibitions worldwide, Woudt has published seven photobooks, including Karawan (2016, Morocco), Mukono (2017, Uganda), Peak (2020, Nepal) and Champions (2023, Zambia).
Two works from his Champions project (2024) have been included in the permanent collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This marks a significant milestone in Woudt’s career. His works have previously included in the collections of the Getty in Los Angeles and Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen.
Woudt's photography has appeared in leading magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, Numéro, New York Magazine, and National Geographic, and he has worked on commissions for brands including Chanel and Dior. His images have also been sold through renowned auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips.
Business and creative purpose
Spurred by an entrepreneurial side, Woudt founded 1605 Collective in 2020: a platform showcasing like-minded artists—both established and emerging—through books, an annual magazine and an online plaform.
By way of portfolio highlights, curated edits and insights, he shares his ever-expanding universe while nurturing talent. His ongoing commitment to philanthropy shines through various charitable efforts. Woudt’s project "Mukono" (2017) showcased tonal portraits and abstracted views of Uganda's countryside in support of Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation's water initiatives. Throughout 2023, Woudt channeled his artistic talent into fundraising for HIV and AIDS, raising €22,000 from his work, including his iconic "Ziba" piece, at the prestigious The Amsterdam Dinner. He further amplified his impact by partnering with Orange Babies on their 25th anniversary, creating striking portraits of Zambian youth. The project generated over €200,000 in sales, all of which was donated in full to the organization.
Artist development: new dimensions
Self-discovery is a crucial facet of Woudt’s practice. In a quest to broaden his creative horizon, he explores the potential of new frontiers, expanding the scope of his artistic expression. Woudt’s “Echo From Beyond” is an experimental side project by photographer Bastiaan Woudt. In this body of work, he merges his photographic archive with artificial intelligence, drawing inspiration from dreams, music, fleeting thoughts and at times psychedelic experiences. The project explores the tension between control and unpredictability, expanding the boundaries of imagination while existing alongside his established photographic practice.