The South Korean Monthly Photo magazine published parts of the I Am Gay and Muslim documentary photo series as Special Feature in the 2019 April issue.
The article reviews the series, the process of the overall production and discusses the ‘same-sex marriage’ issue. Which was introduced in the Netherlands is 2001 as first first country that officially allows same-sex marriages.
It is great to have the images and the cause made available to this part of the world!
The Amsterdam Museum exhibition ‘De Mooiste Stad – Amsterdam door de ogen van Eberhard van der Laan’ is an ode to the city of Amsterdam. Curated by mayor Eberhard van der Laan. This, very sadly, in light of his soon to be pass away.
As guest-curator, Van der Laan chose 80 pieces from the Amsterdam Museum and Stadsarchief (city archive). To show how Amsterdam did cope with previous challenges as fast growing city. And with the intention to open discussion on future ones.
Among the works chosen was an image of the Marokkaanse Boot. Taken during the Amsterdam Pride 2018.
With caption reading:
PROUD OF PRIDE – ‘Pride Amsterdam is not so much an event, it is a symbol of the open and tolerant city we want to be. We celebrate the freedom to be ourselves.’ When Van der Laan was mayor he joined the Canal Parade almost every year. This photograph shows the Moroccan boat.
I felt honored that this image was noticed and chosen by ‘my’ mayor – a great mayor and man. And was proud that this specific topic, advocating the freedom to be ourselves, is something the city stands for.
For Folia Magazine, I was out for a portrait of Dutch journalist and author Casper Thomas. Thomas wrote Competente Rebellen (Competent Rebels), a publication about the 2015 Maagdenhuis occupation at the University of Amsterdam.
Picture had to be taken with Maagdenhuis in the background. The situation 10 minutes before shoot:
Portrait photography on the streets can be challenging; you can almost never have full control of all things in a crowded area. I let things just happen and try to take benefit from the element of surprise.
And there was, in this case, some digital altering involved.
The result in de publication (click image for larger view):