With all COVID-19 regulations in play, my circle is smaller than usual and more focused at home in Amsterdam. These limitations are in some ways refreshing and very reflective. And a great chance to try something different; a return to analogue photography.
COVID Files – staying at home during ‘self-isolation’ COVID-19 outbreak. Daily view outside from my home office, with in the far distance the cranes from Damen Shipyard. Amsterdam, September 2020
COVID Files – staying at home during ‘self-isolation’ COVID-19 outbreak. Joke during walk along the Nieuwendammerdijk. Amsterdam, September 2020COVID Files – staying at home during ‘self-isolation’ COVID-19 outbreak. The IJ river, seen from Schellingwoude. Amsterdam, September 2020COVID Files – staying at home during ‘self-isolation’ COVID-19 outbreak. The Schellingwoude Horses. Amsterdam, September 2020
COVID Files – staying at home during ‘self-isolation’ COVID-19 outbreak. Tree in backyard in autumn colors, seen from my favorite smoking spot. Amsterdam, September 2020
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.
Impression exhibition Amsterdam door de ogen van Eberhard van der Laan at Amsterdam Museum. Middle: photograph titled De Marokkaanse Boot, by Bram Belloni.
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.
Tear sheet of Dutch news paper Het Parool June 16th, 2018, with review by Geert Mak of exhibition De Mooiste Stad at Amsterdam Museum. Featuring image De Marokkaanse Boot (below, 2nd left) by photographer Bram Belloni. (click for bigger image)
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.
