Bastiaan Woudt

Tinotenda III, 2015

Bastiaan Woudt Biography For more than thirteen years photographer Bastiaan Woudt (1987) has forged a multifaceted career distinguished by an unmistakable aesthetic signature. Acclaimed for his evocative use of monochromatic tones, silhouettes, and shadow play, Bastiaan Woudt captures intimate portraits and expansive landscapes which imbue an ethereal quality while consistently maintaining a minimalist approach that underscores his artistic vision and technical mastery. Born and raised in Bergen, Netherlands, Bastiaan Woudt discovered his passion for photography at an early age and pursued it fervently. His journey as a self-taught photographer has been marked by a dedication to exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. Bastiaan Woudt first attracted acclaim in 2016 when he was awarded the Van Vlissingen Art Foundation Prize which made Karawn, a series of photographs in Morocco. In 2017, Woudt visited Mukono, Uganda where Marie-Stella-Maris, a foundation who supports local drinking water projects, commissioned him to photograph the people of Mukono. In the tradition of Walker Evans, and the Farm Security Administration photographers, Bastiaan Woudt tells a community’s story by focusing on the individual and intimate. Traveling to Mukono, to photograph the water resources in a region with limited access to safe water, Woudt transforms a documentary project into a visual poem. Talismans permeate the series—water jugs, hands—resulting in an allegorical and cohesive body of work distinguished by a blend of classicism and contemporary post-production techniques. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Bastiaan Woudt founded the 1605 Collective—a platform that supports emerging artists through books, an annual magazine, and online showcases. This initiative not only amplifies Woudt’s expanding visual universe but also nurtures talent within the artistic community. Additionally, Woudt is committed to philanthropy, supporting initiatives such as his continued support of the Marie-Stella-Maris Foundation’s water projects in Uganda and fundraising efforts for HIV and AIDS through collaborations with organizations like Orange Babies. Bastiaan Woudt 's influence in the art world is profound, with his works prominently displayed at leading international fairs. Notably, Jackson Fine Art has brought Woudt to seven art fairs including Paris Photo, AIPAD, and Art Miami. Bastiaan Woudt celebrated a significant milestone with his first solo museum exhibition, Twist (2022), at Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen, followed by Essence (2024) at Phillips in New York. Bastiaan Woudt photographs have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Harper's Bazaar, British Vogue, Numéro France, L'Officiel, and New York Magazine, alongside commercial projects for Chanel, highlighting his artistic versatility and commercial appeal. Jackson Fine Art has featured Bastiaan Woudt in several exhibitions including Bastiaan Woudt: Mukono (2018) and Bastiaan Woudt & George Hoyningen-Huene: Icons (2023).